Vitamin B12 is an indispensable nutrient crucial for various physiological processes. It is pivotal in maintaining overall health. Its deficiency often stems from inadequate dietary intake, particularly among vegetarian and vegan populations, or poor absorption within the body. This deficiency can lead to a spectrum of complications, including significant neurological disorders. While previous research has hinted at vitamin B12’s potential anti-inflammatory properties, the exact nature of this relationship still needs to be understood.
Recently, a team of researchers from Spain embarked on a study investigating how vitamin B12 impacts levels of key inflammatory molecules in the body, specifically interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós, co-corresponding author and Professor of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy at INSA-University of Barcelona, and Inés Domínguez López, a predoctoral researcher at the University of Barcelona and co-first author, explained the motivations behind their research.
“Chronic inflammation is a key player in a wide array of diseases. Gaining a deeper understanding of how vitamin B12 status influences inflammation could have far-reaching implications for disease prevention and management,” Domínguez López stated. IL-6 and CRP are widely recognized markers of inflammation in clinical settings, with elevated levels linked to various inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases. Establishing the connection between these inflammatory markers and vitamin B12 levels could provide crucial insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
The study drew upon samples from a subset of participants in PREDIMED, a large clinical trial in Spain evaluating the Mediterranean diet’s impact on cardiovascular disease prevention. Analysis of serum vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory marker concentrations revealed a notable correlation. Marta Kovatcheva, a co-first author and postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), elaborated, “Our findings indicate that higher vitamin B12 levels generally correspond to lower inflammatory marker levels—a relationship we describe as inverse.”
Kovatcheva underscored the novelty of the study, which did not specifically target individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency but revealed significant implications. “Our findings present a new perspective on the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency. While its harmful effects are well-documented, our study uncovers a novel relationship that illuminates previously unexplained symptoms, such as neurological defects associated with B12 deficiency.”
Domínguez López stressed the importance of expanding research cohorts to validate their findings across broader populations. “Future studies should consider sex-specific differences and investigate specific conditions like B12 deficiency, infection, or aging in humans,” she suggested.
In addition to human studies, the research team explored similar associations between vitamin B12 and inflammatory markers in naturally ageing mice. This parallel investigation offers insights into underlying biological mechanisms governing the inverse correlation. “Understanding the biological basis of our findings in mice could inform dietary and clinical recommendations for humans in the future,” noted Lamuela-Raventós.
Interestingly, the researchers noted a difference between humans and mice concerning B12 deficiency with age. “Unlike humans, mice do not typically become B12 deficient as they age,” Kovatcheva remarked. This observation suggests that studying mouse models could offer insights into preventing B12 deficiency in older adults.
Looking to the future, the team is eager to explore the vitamin B12-inflammation link within specific high-inflammation conditions such as infection, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome. “Investigating whether vitamin B12 supplementation can play a role in managing these conditions is a promising direction for future research,” Lamuela-Raventós commented, emphasizing the potential practical applications of their findings.
The study underscores vitamin B12’s multifaceted role in health, particularly its potential to modulate inflammation—a pivotal factor in numerous chronic diseases. By elucidating these connections, the research opens doors to innovative approaches for disease prevention and therapeutic interventions centred around optimizing vitamin B12 status.
More information: Inés Domínguez-López et al, Higher circulating vitamin B12 is associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers in individuals at high cardiovascular risk and in naturally aged mice, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12976
Journal information: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Provided by Society of Chemical Industry
