World's First Study Suggests Link Between Blood Homocysteine Levels (Indicator of Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency) and Fatigue in Japanese Population

Alinamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "the Company"), through joint research with Osaka Metropolitan University, has for the first time in the world suggested a relationship between "blood homocysteine levels," an indicator reflecting vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, and "fatigue." This research was based on the analysis of examination data from approximately 600 healthy Japanese individuals, and its findings were published in the international academic journal in the field of nutrition, 'Nutrients' (Volume 18, Issue 6).

<Key Points of Research Findings>

* Focused on blood homocysteine levels in Japanese people and analyzed its relationship with subjective symptoms of fatigue. * Discovered that blood homocysteine levels are related to physical fatigue in men and motivation in women. * Suggested the importance of consuming vitamin B12 and folate to prevent an increase in blood homocysteine levels.

<Background and Progress of Research>

Fatigue is a major societal issue, and research into fatigue countermeasures can be said to be a research theme directly connected to "Japan's vitality." Under the corporate message of "Changing Tomorrow's Vitality," the Company has continuously conducted research with specialized institutions on fatigue and vitamins. Vitamins are essential nutrients that regulate body functions and are involved in energy production, supporting "daily vitality." However, in recent years, due to the influence of unbalanced eating habits, there has been a tendency for insufficient intake, especially of water-soluble vitamins.

Against this backdrop, we have proceeded with this research in collaboration with Professor Shigeo Takenaka, Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi, and Professor Akiko Kuwahara of the Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, who are experts in nutrition and active in academic societies such as the Japanese Society of Vitaminology.

<Concept of This Research (Research Aim)>

Blood homocysteine levels increase due to insufficient intake of vitamin B12 and folate. High homocysteine levels increase oxidative stress in the body, raising the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and fractures. In pregnant women, it is also associated with the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.

On the other hand, since the main mechanism of fatigue is also "oxidation" (and "inflammation"), it was considered possible that there was some relationship between blood homocysteine levels and fatigue. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between blood homocysteine levels and fatigue based on various examination data from approximately 600 healthy Japanese individuals.

<Results of This Research>

First, in the group with high blood homocysteine levels, both men and women had low blood concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate. This indicates that blood homocysteine levels are a sensitive indicator of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.

Regarding the relationship with fatigue, in men, the group with the highest blood homocysteine levels had higher "physical fatigue scores," indicating a strong self-awareness of physical fatigue.

In women, on the other hand, the group with the highest blood homocysteine levels showed lower "motivation scores," and additionally, associations with "anxiety/depression scores" and "attention/cognitive decline scores" were also shown. This means that women with high blood homocysteine levels strongly perceived decreased motivation, feelings of anxiety/depression, and impaired attention/cognitive function.

Thus, this study clearly showed that low blood concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate (insufficient intake) lead to high blood homocysteine levels. It also showed that men with high blood homocysteine levels experience stronger physical fatigue, and women with high blood homocysteine levels feel decreased motivation, anxiety/depression, and impaired attention/cognitive function, thereby obtaining important insights into the relationship between "blood homocysteine levels" and "fatigue."

<Significance and Future Prospects of This Research>

Until now, attention has been drawn to increased blood homocysteine levels in the context of their relationship with cardiovascular disease, dementia, fractures, and neural tube defects in the fetus. However, according to the results of this study, it is considered desirable to pay attention to aspects such as fatigue and motivation in the future.

To prevent an increase in blood homocysteine levels, it is important to adequately consume B vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folate. It is useful to always be mindful of a balanced diet and to utilize vitamin supplements for self-care when the balance is disrupted.

The Company will continue to support and conduct research activities with specialized institutions on fatigue, vitamins, fursultiamine, etc., and strive to disseminate the latest research and health information to "change tomorrow's vitality" for people.

<Paper Information>

[Title]

Associations of Plasma Homocysteine Reflecting Vitamin B12 and Folate Status with

Fatigue-Related Outcomes in Heal