Introduction. Functional food is expected to improve risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, however, their effect is unsatisfactorily documented. The hypofolatemia is most frequent recent hypovitaminosis, especially in elderly subjects. We evaluated effect of Flora ProActive, margarine supplemented with multivitamins (MSM), on folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy) and lipid spectrum as risk factors modifiable by functional food.
Method: Intervened group (IG) consisted of 43 volunteers from pension house, who consumed 250 gr/week of MSM for 100 days in short term, open non-randomised controlled trial. 20 volunteers from the same pension house with identical diet except MSM were controlls (CG). IG was younger 70.2±12.8 vs 81.4±7.9 yrs (p<0.001) with lower systolic blood pressure: 140.1±26.0 vs. 157,3± 29.4 mmHg (p<0.02) as compare to CG. Proportion of males and females was same 25% to 75% vs 20%to 80% (NS) in both groups. Results: After intervention, IG exhibited profound increase of folate 17.3±9.9 vs 30.8±13.4 [pmol/l] (p<0.001) and decrease of Hcy 18.9±13.1 vs. 14,4±4.31 μmol/l (p<0.02) as compare to CG: Folate: 7.8±3.2 vs. 7.3±3.8 [pmol/l] (NS) resp. Hcy: 24.0±4.1 vs. 21.4±5.4 μmol/l (NS). IG decreased triglycerides level: 2.03± 1.22 vs. 1.68± 1.05 mmol/l (p<0,05) in contrast to CG 1.89±0.79 vs.1.93±0.94 mmol/l.
Negative effect was slight increase of weigth in IG: 72.5±16.1 vs 73.5±15.8 kg (p<0.02) as compare to C: 68.7±14.5 vs 69.0±12.4 kg (NS). Both groups increased TCH on same diet, but increase in IG was significantly lower - 6.0±1.21 vs 7.3±1.42 mmol/l (p<0.001) vs CG: 5.6 ±1.05 vs. 8.3±1,4 mmol/l .
Conclusion: Flora ProActive, margarine supplemented with vitamins, could favourable correct the hypofolatemia and hyperhomocysteinemia in elderly subjects, however, energetic intake should be considered.
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