A recent study has found a strong link between low levels of vitamin B12 and chronic inflammation—a discovery that could change how we look at health and nutrition.
Inflammation plays a major role in many serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and brain-related conditions.
This new research suggests that getting enough vitamin B12 may help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of these health problems.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps keep our nerves and blood cells healthy. It also supports brain function and helps make DNA. While we already know that a lack of B12 can lead to nerve damage and memory problems, scientists have now found that it may also be connected to inflammation in the body.
The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, looked at how vitamin B12 levels affect two common signs of inflammation: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These markers rise when the body is fighting an infection or experiencing long-term stress or illness. High levels of IL-6 and CRP are often seen in people with chronic diseases.
To explore the link between B12 and inflammation, the researchers used data from part of the PREDIMED trial in Spain. This large study originally looked at how the Mediterranean diet helps heart health.
But in this new analysis, scientists focused on blood levels of vitamin B12 and inflammation markers. They found that people with higher B12 levels generally had lower levels of IL-6 and CRP. In other words, more B12 seemed to mean less inflammation.
While earlier research had hinted that B12 might help with inflammation, this study helps clarify the connection. It shows that vitamin B12 could be more important for overall health than we previously thought—not just for nerves and memory, but also for calming inflammation in the body.
The researchers also ran similar tests in mice and found related results. Interestingly, they noticed some differences in how vitamin B12 affects humans and mice, especially as they age. These differences could help us understand how to better prevent B12 deficiency in older adults, who are more likely to have low B12 levels.
The study didn’t only focus on people who were already low in B12. Even in people with normal levels, having more of the vitamin was linked to less inflammation. This suggests that maintaining good B12 levels might be helpful for everyone—not just those with a known deficiency.
Scientists now plan to study this topic further. They want to see if there are differences between men and women, and whether conditions like obesity, infections, or digestive problems might affect how B12 and inflammation are related.
They also hope to use what they learn to improve public health advice, such as creating better diet recommendations or finding new ways to treat or prevent chronic diseases.
In short, this research shows that vitamin B12 may be a key part of keeping inflammation under control. It reminds us that what we eat really matters and that even small nutrients like B12 can have a big impact on our health.
As scientists continue to explore this link, we may soon see new guidelines or treatments that help people live healthier, longer lives simply by making sure they get enough of this important vitamin.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about why vitamin K is so important for older people, and this snack food may harm your heart rhythm.
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