A pilot trial comparing the availability of vitamins C, B₆, and B₁₂ from a vitamin-fortified water and food source in humans

Abstract

Primary objective In a cross-over randomized pilot study, the relative absorption of vitamins C, B₆ and B₁₂ were tested using a commercial vitamin–water (VW) and a standardized mixed meal (MM).

Methods and procedures Twelve adults (22.9±3.7 years), received the VW and the MM, randomly ordered, with a minimum 7-day washout period between. Blood was drawn pre-ingestion and over a post-ingestion period of 300+ min. Test meal quantities were formulated to contain equal amounts of vitamins B₆, B₁₂, and C as per the water label. Analysis revealed that a scaling factor had to be used to balance the actual content differences between test products.

Main outcomes and results Using the adjusted numbers for actual water vitamin concentration, there were no differences in the maximum concentration and the 5-h area under the curve for vitamins B₆, B₁₂ or C between the VW and the MM.

Conclusions VW was found to provide similar in vivo nutrition as the test MM at a caloric saving.

• Vitamins
• bioavailability
• obesity
• functional food
• functional beverage