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The critical role of vitamin B12

Ilia Volkov1

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, IL. r0019@zahav.net.il.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 supplementation may not reduce cardiovascular events in patients with existing vascular disease. However, it shows potential in primary prevention and inhibiting malignant cell proliferation, suggesting a need for routine fortification.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Oncology
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in neurological and hematological functions.
  • The association between vitamin B12, homocysteine, and cardiovascular events remains debated.
  • Low vitamin B12 levels are increasingly prevalent in the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin B12 in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
  • To explore the role of methylcobalamin in inhibiting malignant cell proliferation.
  • To advocate for vitamin B12 routine fortification to prevent health issues.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on vitamin B12 supplementation and cardiovascular events.
  • Analysis of in vivo and in vitro studies on methylcobalamin's effect on cancer cells.
  • Assessment of the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin B12 supplementation did not reduce cardiovascular events or mortality in patients with vascular disease.
  • Methylcobalamin demonstrated inhibition of malignant cell proliferation.
  • Increasing prevalence of low vitamin B12 levels noted across populations.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin B12 may be more effective for primary cardiovascular prevention than secondary prevention in patients with irreversible vascular changes.
  • High-dose vitamin B12 might be more effective than low doses of B-complex vitamins.
  • Methylcobalamin shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for certain cancers.
  • Routine vitamin B12 fortification is recommended to address widespread deficiency and prevent serious health problems.
Abstract

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