Vitamins and mineralsVitamin B12 — The Hidden Deficiency That Mimics Aging?
Sources: 11 · Article: 13 507 characters
Henryk Różański links B12 deficiency to memory problems, anemia, muscle wasting, and sensory disturbances.
- Jerzy Zięba lists older adults, vegetarians, and vegans among those who may have an increased need for B12.
- B12 is absorbed very poorly from the digestive tract, and its absorption takes place in the small intestine.
- Henryk Różański states that high doses of folic acid can worsen B12 deficiency and its symptoms.
What the authors write
Jerzy Zięba
B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological and psychiatric disorders.
„Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead, among other things, to anemia, neurological disorders, and psychiatric disorders. Excess vitamin B12 may be associated with higher mortality, including from cancer. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 under the dietary standards for the Polish population developed by the Institute of Food and Nutrition is 2.4 mcg/day, 2.6 mcg/day, and 2.8 mcg/day for women and men, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, respectively.”Niedobór witaminy B12 może prowadzić m.in. do anemii, chorób neurologicznych oraz chorób psychiatrycznych. Nadmiar witaminy B12 może być związany z wyższą umieralnością, w tym m.in. z powodu chorób nowotworowych. Zalecane spożycie witaminy B12 (RDA) według norm żywienia dla populacji Polski opracowanych przez Instytut Żywności i Żywienia wynosi odpowiednio 2,4 mcg/dzień, 2,6 mcg/dzień oraz 2,8 mcg/dzień dla kobiet i mężczyzn, kobiet w ciąży oraz kobiet karmiących.
Henryk Różański
B12 deficiency is also associated with anemia, memory problems, muscle wasting, and sensory disturbances.
„Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a shortage of methionine and tetrahydrofolate (THF) (disrupted folic acid metabolism), impaired DNA synthesis, anemia, nerve pain, nerve damage, paresis, fatty degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver, heart, and kidneys, atherosclerosis, muscle wasting, memory problems, reduced resistance to infections, atrophic glossitis, inflammation of the stomach lining with a lack of HCl, impaired enzyme secretion, degenerative changes in the spinal cord, impaired superficial and deep sensation, ataxia, and hair loss.”Przy niedoborze witaminy B12 występuje niedobór metioniny i tetrahydrofolianu THF (zaburzenia przemiany kwasu foliowego), upośledzenie syntezy DNA, niedokrwistość, bóle nerwów, zaniki nerwów, niedowłady, stłuszczenie i marskość wątroby, serca i nerek, miażdżyca, zanik mięśni, osłabienie pamięci, spadek odporności na infekcje, zanikowe zapalenie języka, zapalenie błony śluzowej żołądka z brakiem HCl, upośledzone wydzielanie enzymów, zespół zmian zwyrodnieniowych rdzenia kręgowego, upośledzenie czucia powierzchniowego i głębokiego, ataksja, wypadanie włosów.
Jerzy Zięba
Older adults, vegetarians, and vegans are listed among those who may have an increased need for B12.
„Methylcobalamin is used to prevent deficiency caused by an inadequate diet or absorption disorders, and when there is an increased need for this substance (e.g., among vegetarians, vegans, and older adults). Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead, among other things, to”Metylokobalamina jest stosowana w profilaktyce stanów niedoborowych związanych z nieprawidłową dietą, zaburzeniami wchłaniania oraz w sytuacji zwiększonego zapotrzebowania na tę substancję (np. wegetarianie, weganie, osoby w wieku podeszłym). Niedobór witaminy B12 może prowadzić m.in.
Henryk Różański
B12 is absorbed very poorly from the digestive tract, even when Castle’s intrinsic factor is secreted normally.
„It should also be emphasized that vitamin B12 is absorbed very poorly from the digestive tract, even in people with normal secretion of Castle’s intrinsic factor. Therefore, when it is intended to have a therapeutic effect, it is always given as an intramuscular or deep subcutaneous solution.”Należy też podkreślić, że witamina B12 bardzo słabo wchłania się z przewodu pokarmowego, nawet u osób z prawidłowym wydzielaniem czynnika Castle’a. Dlatego jeśli ma zadziałać leczniczo podawana jest zawsze w postaci roztworów domięśniowych lub głęboko podskórnych.
Henryk Różański
B12 is absorbed in the small intestine. Its production by microorganisms in the large intestine does not mean that the body absorbs it there.
„Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine. Although vitamin B12 is synthesized by microorganisms in the large intestine, it is not absorbed in the colon; this was already known in the 1940s. It is therefore nonsense to think that the symbiotic microflora of the large intestine provides us with vitamin B12.”Witamina B12 wchłaniana jest w jelicie cienkim. Pomimo że witamina B12 jest syntetyzowana przez drobnoustroje jelita grubego, to i tak ta witamina nie jest absorbowana w okrężnicy, o czym wiedziano już w latach 40. XX wieku. Bzdurą więc jest mniemanie, że symbiotyczna mikroflora jelita grubego dostarcza nam witaminę B12.
Henryk Różański
An exclusively plant-based diet was listed as an indication for using B12.
„Indications for its use include pernicious (megaloblastic) anemia, spinal cord degeneration, sciatica, lumbago, stiff neck, neuralgia around the shoulder joint, immune deficiencies (best combined with FIBS or Biostymina preparations), multiple sclerosis, nerve and muscle wasting, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, sprue [a digestive tract disorder that leads to impaired absorption of nutrients — editor’s note], irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines, nicotine addiction, cyanide poisoning (in which case, administer hydroxocobalamin, which has a detoxifying effect), an exclusively plant-based diet, general weakness, and physical exhaustion.”Wskazaniami do jej stosowania są: niedokrwistość złośliwa (megaloblastyczna), zwyrodnienie rdzenia kręgowego, rwa kulszowa (ischias), lumbago, kręcz szyi, nerwobóle w obrębie stawu barkowego, niedobory odpornościowe (najlepiej skojarzyć z preparatami FIBS, Biostymina), stwardnienie rozsiane, zaniki nerwów i mięśni, leukopenia, trombocytopenia, Sprue [schorzenie przewodu pokarmowego prowadzące do zaburzeń wchłaniania substancji odżywczych – przyp. red.], zespół jelita drażliwego, przewlekłe nieżyty żołądka i jelit, nikotynizm, zatrucia cyjankami (podawać wówczas hydroksykobalaminę o działaniu odtruwającym), dieta wyłącznie roślinna, ogólne osłabienie i wyczerpanie fizyczne.
Henryk Różański
High doses of folic acid can worsen B12 deficiency and neurological and anemia symptoms.
„Giving vitamin B12 alone or folic acid alone is a mistake. For example, taking high doses of Acidum folicum increases vitamin B12 deficiency and worsens symptoms of anemia and neurological symptoms.
Humans must obtain ready-made vitamin B12 from food.”Samo podawanie witaminy B12 lub samego kwasu foliowego jest błędem, np. zażywanie wysokich dawek Acidum folicum powoduje zwiększenie niedoboru witaminy B12 i nasilenie objawów niedokrwistości oraz objawów neurologicznych.
Człowiek musi otrzymywać gotową witaminę B12 z pokarmem.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
B12 plays a role in energy processes and reduces feelings of fatigue.
„It plays a role in energy metabolism and reduces feelings of fatigue. It helps maintain normal homocysteine metabolism; excess homocysteine increases the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. It is involved in the formation of red blood cells and the functioning of the immune system.”Bierze ona udział w procesach metabolizmu energetycznego i zmniejsza uczucie zmęczenia. Wpływa na prawidłowy metabolizm homocysteiny, której nadmiar zwiększa ryzyko powstania zakrzepów, udarów i zawałów serca. Uczestniczy w tworzeniu erytrocytów i funkcjonowaniu układu odpornościowego.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 548.
The review indicates that B12 deficiency in older people is associated with declining cognitive function and physical ability, and that improvement has been observed after supplementation, particularly in early or mild cases.
Aim of the study: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common yet frequently underdiagnosed condition in older adults. The growing aging population is experiencing an increasing burden of geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, frailty, and falls. The aim of this review is to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between B12 deficiency and age-related clinical outcomes to guide early recognition and management.
Results: Recent studies link vitamin B12 deficiency to neurodegenerative and neuromuscular changes through disrupted myelin synthesis, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Low B12 levels are consistently associated with cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, balance disturbances, gait disorders, sarcopenia, and frailty. Diagnosis is often challenging due to nonspecific or overlapping clinical features and the limited sensitivity of standard serum B12 assays. Clinical improvements in cognitive and physical function have been observed following supplementation, particularly in early or mild cases.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review indicates that oral vitamin B12 can effectively treat its deficiency in older adults.
Aim of the study: The objective of this review is to evaluate the usefulness of oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) treatment in elderly patients. PubMed was systematically searched for English and French articles published from January 1990 to January 2007.
Results: Prospective randomized studies (n=3), a systematic review by the Cochrane group (n=1) and prospective studies in a well-defined population (n=5) provide evidence that oral cobalamin therapy may adequately treat cobalamin deficiency in elderly patients. However, the current literature does not suggest a strategy in terms of the form (hydroxy- or cyanocobalamin), frequency, and duration of treatment. This review confirms the previously reported efficacy of oral cobalamin treatment in elderly patients. Oral cobalamin treatment avoids the discomfort, inconvenience, and cost of monthly injections.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The case report shows that treating B12 deficiency in an older female patient improved blood test results, gait, strength, and independence.
Aim of the study: Anemia is a common condition in older adults and is associated with increased morbidity, geriatric syndromes, and functional decline. We report the case of an 86-year-old woman who presented with severe anemia accompanied by neurologic, hematologic, and oral manifestations, in whom vitamin B12 deficiency was identified as the underlying etiology.
Results: Anemia is a common condition in older adults and is associated with increased morbidity, geriatric syndromes, and functional decline. We report the case of an 86-year-old woman who presented with severe anemia accompanied by neurologic, hematologic, and oral manifestations, in whom vitamin B12 deficiency was identified as the underlying etiology. Following targeted parenteral cyanocobalamin therapy, the patient demonstrated marked hematologic recovery and substantial improvement in gait, strength, and independence in basic activities of daily living, as documented through a comprehensive geriatric assessment. This case underscores the importance of recognizing vitamin B12 deficiency as an underdiagnosed yet reversible cause of anemia and functional deterioration in older adults and highlights the essential role of comprehensive geriatric assessment in detecting reversible contributors to frailty and enabling timely, individualized intervention.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review states that oral B12 may be as effective as injections, including in people with absorption disorders.
Aim of the study: Older people are at risk for cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency because of a number of common disorders (e.g., autoimmune gastritis) and drugs (e.g., antacids) that may alter its absorption and utilization. The prevalence of cobalamin deficiency increases with age, resulting, particularly elevated, in frail and institutionalized subjects.
Results: Other biomarkers, like serum homocysteine or methylmalonic acid, have improved the diagnostic possibilities but are expensive, not widely available, and may be influenced by some confounders (e.g., folate deficiency, or chronic renal failure). Early recognition and treatment are crucial since a proportion of patients develop severe complications, such as bone marrow failure and irreversible neurological impairment. High-dose oral treatment has proven to be as effective as the parenteral route, even in subjects with malabsorption, ensuring the complete resolution in the majority of cases. In this review, we trace the essential role of cobalamin in humans, the possible causes and impact of deficiency, the diagnostic challenges and the therapeutic options, between old and emerging concepts, with a particular focus on the elderly.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Why Stem Cells and Orthomolecular Medicine Work Better Together Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine (IOM) doesn't just treat symptoms—it goes deeper to correct the root causes of aging and disease: Nutritional deficiencies Toxin overload Chronic inflammation Hormonal imbalances Mitochondrial dysfunction Stem cell exhaustion By correcting these issues through optimal nutrition, high-dose vitamins, detoxification, hormone optimization, and lifestyle interventions, IOM creates the optimal biological environment—the "soil"—for stem cells to thrive.”Why Stem Cells and Orthomolecular Medicine Work Better Together Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine (IOM) doesn't just treat symptoms-it goes deeper to correct the root causes of aging and disease: Nutritional deficiencies Toxin overload Chronic inflammation Hormonal imbalances Mitochondrial dysfunction Stem cell exhaustion By correcting these issues through optimal nutrition, high-dose vitamins, detoxification, hormone optimization, and lifestyle interventions, IOM creates the optimal biological environment-the "soil"-for stem cells to thrive.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Studies indicate that niacin deficiency delays DNA repair, promotes accumulation of DNA strand breaks, chromosomal translocations, telomere erosion typical of aging, and promotes cancer.”Studies indicate that niacin deficiency delays DNA repair, promotes accumulation of DNA strand breaks, chromosomal translocations, telomere erosion typical of aging, and promotes cancer.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Gominak SC (2016) Vitamin D deficiency changes the intestinal microbiome reducing B vitamin production in the gut. The resulting lack of pantothenic acid adversely affects the immune system, producing a 'pro-inflammatory' state associated with atherosclerosis and autoimmunity. Med Hypotheses, 94:103-107. Patak P, Willenberg HS, Bornstein SR (2004) Vitamin C is an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Endocr Res. 30:871-875. Kennedy DO (2016) B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8:68. Folk J (2022) Feeling Tired But Wired: Anxiety Symptoms.”Gominak SC (2016) Vitamin D deficiency changes the intestinal microbiome reducing B vitamin production in the gut. The resulting lack of pantothenic acid adversely affects the immune system, producing a 'pro-inflammatory' state associated with atherosclerosis and autoimmunity. Med Hypotheses, 94:103-107. Patak P, Willenberg HS, Bornstein SR (2004) Vitamin C is an important cofactor for both adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Endocr Res. 30:871-875. Kennedy DO (2016) B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients, 8:68. Folk J (2022) Feeling Tired But Wired: Anxiety Symptoms.
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