Occupational Exposure to Nitrous Oxide May Negatively Impact Vitamin B12 Status

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Occupational Exposure to Nitrous Oxide May Negatively Impact Vitamin

B12 Status

http://www.vitasearch.com/CP/weeklyupdates/

Reference: " Impaired vitamin B12 metabolic status in healthcare workers

occupationally exposed to nitrous oxide, " Krajewski W, Kucharska M, et

al, Br J Anaesth, 2007; 99(6): 812-8. (Address: Department of

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, The Polish Mother Memorial

Hospital, Lodz, Poland).

Summary: In a study involving 95 operating room nurses with a history

of exposure to nitrous oxide and 90 unexposed counterparts, results

indicate that impaired vitamin B12 status is more prevalent among nurses

occupationally exposed to nitrous oxide. Vitamin B12 and homocysteine

(Hcy) were measured in all participants. Subjects exposed to nitrous

oxide showed lower vitamin B12 and higher Hcy levels than subjects

without exposure to nitrous oxide. Additionally, the decrease in vitamin

B12 levels was significantly greater in subjects exposed to nitrous

oxide in concentrations substantially exceeding occupational exposure

limit. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, " Exposure to N(2)O

[nitrous oxide] in healthcare workers is associated with alterations of

vitamin B12 metabolic status, the extent of which depends on the level

of exposure. "

--

ne Holden, MS, RD

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