Investigating the Impact of Selected B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) on Acute Colitis Induced Experimentally in Rats

Malnutrition and lack of micronutrients are seen in many patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Considering that vitamins play an important role in preventing or protecting against inflammation at the metabolic, physiological, and pathological levels, this research was aimed to investigate the effect of a number of vitamin B groups in improving UC.

Experimental colitis was induced by rectal administration of acetic acid (3%) in male Wistar rats, and mega doses of thiamine (20 mg/kg), riboflavin (15 mg/kg), pyridoxine (30 mg/kg), and cyanocobalamin (250 μg/kg) alone or in combination were administered intraperitoneally for 5 days. In another group, normal dose (1/10 of the above-mentioned doses) of four vitamins in combination was administered for 15 days (started 10 days before colitis induction). Colon tissues were weighted and evaluated in terms of macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical markers.

Normal dose of four vitamins in combination form and mega dose of thiamine caused a significant increase in the body weight of animals. All treatments except for pyridoxine (mega dose) diminished ulceration index, total colitis index, and colon weight compared to the control group. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly in all treatment groups.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerative properties of selected B vitamins improved experimental colitis regardless of the dosage and duration of treatment. Despite its beneficial effect on biochemical markers, pyridoxine had the least effect in reducing the pathological features of colitis. More studies are needed to confirm the effect of these vitamins in the clinical setting of this disease.