Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is required for healthy nerve function and the synthesis of red blood cells and DNA. A deficiency in B12 increases inflammation and oxidative stress by raising homocysteine. High homocysteine, in turn, is associated with cardiovascular disease and decreased immune response. Vitamins B6, B9 (folate) and B12 break down homocysteine as revealed in this study “Homocysteine-Lowering by B vitamins slow the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial” published in journals.plos.org.
B12 deficiency is also associated with many other physical, neurological and psychological symptoms, including migraines, certain respiratory disorders, depression and memory loss. Surprisingly, recent research published November 2023 on nature.com website regarding B12, suggests it may also be a key player in cellular regeneration. Additionally, as reported by Science Daily, “Vitamin B12 supplementation shows potential in speeding up tissue repair in a model of ulcerative colitis, an observation that points to potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.” More specifically, the study found that vitamin B12 is a limiting factor for tissue repair. In other words, “to optimize tissue regeneration, you need sufficient amounts of B12 in your system”. The researchers validated their findings in a model of ulcerative colitis, demonstrating that the intestinal cells initiating repair undergo a process like cellular reprogramming and benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation.
The reason B12 is so important in tissue regeneration has to do with its role in methylation. Methylation is one of several mechanisms’ cells use to control gene expression. When there’s damage to cells or tissues, whether due to injury, age, trauma or disease, reparative gene expression programs kick in to replace the damaged tissues. The DNA in the cells that need to be repaired require high levels of methylation, and B12. As it turns out, B12 is the limiting factor for methylation. Hence, why you need high amounts of B12. If you don’t have enough, many genes end up not working properly, hence tissue regeneration is hampered as well.
Another process in which B12 can be helpful is that of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for which there is no pharmaceutical treatment option. NASH is the second stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Even more advanced stages include fibrosis and cirrhosis, which significantly raises your risk of liver cancer. In one 2022 study published in journal of hepatology November 2022, found supplementation with B12 and folic acid (B9) was shown to slow the progres- sion of NASH and reverse fibrotic tissue changes in the liver.
According to Brijesh Singh, Ph.D, “the researchers were excited by the possibilities since the early stages of NAFLD often have no symptoms, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can progress to NASH or fibrosis.
It’s important to be aware that advancing age can diminish your body’s ability to absorb B12 from food, so the need for supplementation increases as you get older. According to the National Institutes of Health, the rate of vitamin B12 deficiency in the U.S. is close to 20% in those older than 60. Other data research sites demonstrated that serum levels of B12 are inversely associated with obesity, so those who are overweight or obese also need to be more mindful about their B12 intake.
Sources of vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal foods such
as beef and beef liver, lamb, snapper, venison, salmon, shrimp, scallops, poultry, eggs and dairy products. The few plant foods that are sources of B12 are, B12 analogs that block the uptake of true B12, so do not make the mistake of thinking you can rely on vegan sources for all your B12 needs. If you rarely eat the foods listed, consider using nutritional yeast. It’s high in B12 and has a cheesy flavor that can work well on any number of dishes. It’s highly recommended for vegetarians and vegans. One 16-gram serving (just over 2 tablespoons) provides 24 mcg of natural vitamin B12. Sublingual (under- the-tongue) fine mist spray or vitamin B12 injections are also effective, as they allow the large B12 molecule to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. To ensure optimal absorption and utilization, opt for the methylated version, i.e., methyl-cobalamin, as it is far superior and more natural than the more common cyanocobalamin. As always, Chiropractic Today is here to help. Should you wish to restore your health naturally and with ease, contact us. We have 30 years of serving our community successfully. Resources: mercola. com, studies listed above. - Dr. Irma Palmer
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