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Carbon

Also known as: Carbon, Elemental carbon, Black carbon

Overview

Carbon is a fundamental element essential to all known life forms and organic compounds. While elemental carbon is not used directly as a dietary supplement, carbon-containing nutrients, particularly those involved in one-carbon metabolism such as folate and vitamin B12, are crucial for various biological processes. These nutrients play a vital role in methylation reactions, including DNA methylation, which influences gene expression and cellular function. Supplementation with folate and B12 supports these processes, potentially impacting overall health. Black carbon, a particulate matter from combustion, is an environmental pollutant and distinct from nutritional carbon. Research focuses on the benefits of nutrients involved in carbon metabolism rather than elemental carbon itself. Activated charcoal, another form of carbon, is used for detoxification but is not considered a nutritional supplement.

Benefits

Supplementation with nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism, such as folic acid and vitamin B12, significantly increases global DNA methylation, which is associated with gene regulation and potentially disease prevention. A meta-analysis of RCTs showed significant increases in global DNA methylation with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation (p=0.0009). Improved DNA methylation status may influence disease risk, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, though direct causal links require further research. Adults receiving folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation showed significant methylation changes; benefits may be more pronounced in populations with deficiencies. Changes in DNA methylation were observed during intervention periods of included RCTs, though exact durations vary.

How it works

One-carbon metabolism provides methyl groups for methylation reactions, including DNA methylation, via S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which depends on folate and B vitamins. This process influences epigenetic regulation, gene expression, and cellular function. DNA methyltransferases, enzymes that catalyze methylation using methyl groups supplied by one-carbon metabolism, are key molecular targets. Folate and vitamin B12 are absorbed in the intestine, and their bioavailability affects methylation capacity. Vitamin B6 also supports one-carbon metabolism.

Side effects

Nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism are generally safe at recommended doses. Common side effects are rare for folate and B12 at standard doses. Uncommon side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects include allergic reactions. Folate and B12 may interact with certain medications (e.g., methotrexate). Caution is advised in individuals with B12 deficiency masked by folate supplementation. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with malabsorption disorders may require adjusted dosing.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose is typically 400 mcg folic acid and 2.4 mcg vitamin B12 daily for adults. Optimal dosage ranges vary by population and clinical indication; higher doses are used therapeutically. The upper intake level for folic acid is 1000 mcg/day from supplements. Daily supplementation is recommended for consistent methylation support. Folic acid (synthetic) and folate (natural) are available; vitamin B12 is available as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. Intrinsic factor is required for B12 absorption, and folate absorption can be affected by gut health.

FAQs

Is elemental carbon a dietary supplement?

No, elemental carbon itself is not used as a supplement; nutrients involved in carbon metabolism are supplemented instead.

Can carbon supplementation improve health?

Supplementation with folate and B12, which are involved in carbon metabolism, can improve DNA methylation and potentially reduce disease risk.

Are there risks to taking these supplements?

Generally safe when taken within recommended doses; excessive folic acid can mask B12 deficiency.

How soon do benefits appear?

DNA methylation changes can occur within weeks to months of supplementation.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977026/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 53 studies found that folic acid and B12 supplementation significantly increased global DNA methylation (p=0.0009) in adults. The study noted low heterogeneity but highlighted the need for standardization in methylation measurement methods, indicating a high-quality, PROSPERO registered systematic review.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38755167/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 70 studies, investigated the effects of black carbon exposure on cardiovascular and respiratory health. The review indicated that short- and long-term exposure to black carbon is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, but found no consistent effects on respiratory health. The study used a GRADE approach, indicating moderate quality, but noted limitations due to observational data and variability in exposure assessment.
https://osf.io/854vp/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of carbon pricing policies on emissions reduction. The analysis of 80 policy evaluations found that carbon pricing effectively reduces emissions. This study is high quality but outside the scope of nutritional supplementation.
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/5/e049516 – This study examines the impact of carbon pricing on emissions reduction. It is a high-quality study, but it is outside the scope of nutritional supplementation.