Posted on 01/24/2026 7:58:42 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Vitamin B12 is long understood as a vital nutrient required for red blood cell formation and nerve function, but a new study suggests its role in human biology is far more intricate, with implications for aging, metabolism and disease prevention.
The research reports previously unrecognized pathways by which B12 influences cellular metabolism and uncovers biomarkers that may identify early nutritional stress far before classic deficiency symptoms appear.
"This is the first study that shows B12 deficiency affects skeletal muscle mitochondrial energy production," said Martha Field, Ph.D.
"It's highly relevant because muscles have high energy demands. More importantly, my co-author, Anna Thalacker-Mercer wondered if B12 supplementation in aged mice would improve muscle mitochondrial function—and it did."
Up until now, most research has focused on B12 deficiency and the resulting clinical syndromes—megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy and cognitive decline—rather than its deeper mechanistic roles.
At Cornell, a team set out to probe those mechanisms, mapping how B12 interacts with lipid metabolism, organelle stress pathways and epigenetic regulation. What emerged was startling: The vitamin appears to act as a gatekeeper of multiple "hub" pathways, meaning that its insufficiency may ripple far beyond the classic symptoms.
"Another thing we observed in mice is that B12 deficiency seemed to inhibit growth or maintenance of muscle mass," Field said. "It seems that low B12 status is associated with lower muscle mass and maybe muscle strength."
B12 deficiency remains common worldwide, especially among older adults and in low-income settings where meat consumption (a major B12 source) is limited. According to one estimate, one in four older adults in developed countries may show suboptimal B12 status. This new insight underscores the urgency of screening and intervention.
The study suggests that even "marginal" B12 status may compromise resilience to metabolic stress, immune challenge and accelerated aging.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
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We are not rabbits.
I take a super B complex every day.
Something like more that 60% of seniors are B12 deficient. Supposedly there's no harm in taking extra, but my wife is bothered when taking the high dose.
Metformin has been associated with B12 deficiency, so be careful if you take it.
Bookmark
I take a super B complex every day.
__________________________
I supplement the B-Complex with a B-12 tablet, daily.
My endocrinologist says not all B-12 supplements are equal. Some are more efficiently utilized by the body. She recommends the Trader Joe’s brand.
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