Recent studies show that one in four adults in the United States are B12 deficient. Research also shows that vitamin B12 deficiency may be directly linked to greater risk of certain cancers. B12 comes mostly from animal products. The United States is a country of meat-eaters, so why are so many of us deficient in this essential nutrient?
What B12 Does in the Body
B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for the formation of myelin, a protective substance which helps nerve cells communicate with one another. B12 is sometimes called the “energy vitamin” because one of its most important functions is to aid in digestion, food absorption, and metabolism of both fat and carbohydrates.
Vitamin B12 also helps in the absorption of iron, in nervous system function and growth, and in the formation of red blood cells. It is necessary for proper adrenal hormone production, and for neurological (i.e. brain) health. It is also vital for immune system function and reproductive health.
Are You at Risk for a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
As stated before, B12 is obtained mainly from animal sources such as beef, chicken, some kinds of fish, lamb, and eggs. For this reason, it makes sense that B12 deficiency would be common amongst vegans and vegetarians. But it’s not just those who don’t eat meat who are at risk of becoming low in B12. There are many reasons why a person may be suffering from B12 malabsorption even if they eat meat.
See if any of these conditions apply to you:
- You are over 50
- You take medications such as antacids, Metformin© (for Type 2 diabetes), or other drugs which are known to deplete B12 in the body
- You are a regular coffee drinker (more than 3 cups a day)
- You have had a bacterial infection such as H. pylori
- You have intestinal disturbances or weak digestion
Intrinsic Factor & Pernicious Anemia
Weakness and imbalance in the digestive system (such as IBS, Leaky Gut, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s, food sensitivities, Celiac disease, and general inflammation) affects an estimated 60 to 70 million people in the Unites States, according to 2010 statistics. A weak gut alone may account for the majority of challenges people have with B12 absorption.
Given the nature of the B12 molecule, this makes perfect sense. As a large molecule, B12 requires a “binding agent” to be absorbed into the system.
Intrinsic Factor is produced in the lining of the stomach. It binds with B12 and helps to move it through the small intestine. Many individuals who have imbalances in their digestive system have lower than normal production of Intrinsic Factor. In fact, Pernicious Anemia, which is an autoimmune condition that develops through a lack of Intrinsic Factor production, is the leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.
To make matters more complicated, many people may not know that they are B12 deficient until it is too late. This is because B12 cannot be eliminated through urine, like other B vitamins. Instead, what cannot be absorbed gets stored in the liver, kidneys, and other tissues. Because of this, a B12 deficiency may not show up for several years.
The Link Between Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Breast Cancer
The main connection between B12 deficiency and cancer is the role this essential nutrient plays in DNA synthesis. Receiving adequate levels of B12 (as well as folic acid) can help keep your genes fresh and rejuvenated. Without B12 and folate, DNA can eventually break down to the point where mutations − and cancer − can occur.
B12 deficiency has been connected to breast cancer in particular. B12, as well as folate, is needed for cellular methylation. Methylation is the process of chemical conversion in the body (similar to a spark plug in a car) and is essential to almost every function in the body.
When cellular methylation does not occur or the mechanisms of methylation are off in some way, healthy genes get “turned off,” while unhealthy ones get “turned on.” Research over the last ten years has confirmed that cancer cells have abnormal methylation processes compared to healthy cells. Healthy methylation pathways can also assist in changing aggressive estrogens (i.e. Xeno-estrogens) into milder estrogens, which can significantly lower breast cancer risk.
A study conducted in younger adults and men also showed that B12 deficiency can lead to higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Decreased B12 in the blood equated to increased levels of homocysteine, which are both biomarkers for white blood cell chromosome breakage. These biomarkers (as seen in the young adults) were improved with B12 and folate supplementation.
What You Can Do to Prevent a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
The first step in remedying a possible B12 deficiency is to recognize the tell-tale signs. Consider if you have any of the following symptoms:
- “Brain fog,” memory issues, lack of motivation or prolonged feelings of apathy
- Mood swings and grouchiness
- Fatigue/ low energy
- Tingling in the extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Depression, dementia, blindness or brain damage (in the cases of extreme depletion)
The next step for many suspected nutritional deficiencies would be to get tested. That is definitely one way to go when it comes to B12. But testing for this deficiency is often difficult since the concentrations of B12 discovered in the blood at a given time may not necessarily correlate to absorption rates in the system overall.
The easiest thing to do if you have any of the symptoms above is to simply begin B12 supplementation and see if your symptoms improve. You can up your consumption of healthy, farm-raised eggs. You can also use a quality B12 in tablet form or, even better, a spray form that you apply directly into your mouth. Recall that B12 is a large molecule that is difficult to absorb for many people. By using a spray, you are ingesting a condensed version of B12 that is easier to absorb.
B12 deficiency could potentially be a dangerous health condition which can not only raise your risk of cancer, but can lead to neurological damage, anemia, heart conditions, and other complications. If you suspect you may be deficient, don’t take chances. Begin supplementation right away. You can also improve your B12 absorption over time by taking measures to improve your gut function.
Of course, nurturing your gut health will not only lead to better B12 absorption, but a more vibrant, energetic and cancer-free body overall!
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Article Summary
Recent studies show one in four adults in the United States are deficient in Vitamin B12.
B12 aids in digestion, food absorption, and metabolism of both fat and carbohydrates.
B12 is obtained mainly from animal sources such as beef, chicken, some kinds of fish, lamb, and eggs.
Even those who eat meat may be at risk of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
Without vitamin B12 and folate, DNA can eventually break down to the point where mutations and cancer can occur.
B12 deficiency is a potentially dangerous health condition which can not only raise your risk of cancer, but can lead to neurological damage, anemia, heart conditions, and other complications.
If you suspect you may be deficient, begin supplementation right away. You can also improve your B12 absorption over time by taking measures to improve your gut function.
This was almost a great article. I say ‘almost’ because it does not say HOW MUCH B12 you should take.
Ask a pill pusher.
No, seriously, there is no such thing as one size fits all. This tiny problem aside, you apparently dint’t read the article. It makes no difference how much you put in your mouth if your body won’t absorb it. Vitamin B12 injections could be an alternative to circumvent the ill gut. My preferred choice, however, are neither pills nor syringes, it’s wild-yeast fully fermented Einkorn or another ancient wheat organic SOURDOUGH.
I eat a lot of meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and I take Brewer’s Yeast vitamin supplements, so my vitamin B12 level is probably high.
Don’t count on it. The Medical Medium says everyone is B12 deficient. You need both the adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin forms of B12. Eggs and dairy and eating tons of meat feed pathogenic organisms and make your body acidic and dehydrated.
Vitamin B12 doesn’t come from animals. It comes from bacteria called elevated biotics on the leaves or skins of freshly picked unwashed organically grown fruits and vegetables. It an animal food contains B12 its only because the animal consumed the bacteria that produce vitamin b12.
Correct.
My source of Vitamin B12 is wild-yeast fully fermented Einkorn or another ancient wheat organic SOURDOUGH for that very reason.
not an option for those who have to avoid gluten or gluten-like grains.
Good,cuz I’m almos vegan… I hardly ever feel like eating animal products,and when I do,it’s my home pastured eggs,chicken or honey made by our neighbor…
I started a dose of b12 tablets ,and in no time at all felt so much better ,I have just got over breast cancer ,so this article was of interest to me ,
Hi June,
We are glad that you are doing well now! Best wishes.
Hi there! I have just been over breast cancer last year in Hungary, Europe. Will have my first birthday this June. Doctors here re not saying a lot about B12 supplementation, there are even utban legends that this plspecific vitamin feeds the cancer. I am reading the opposite and want to start supplementing straight away although my numbers are within range but not tending towards the higher range levels so surely could do with some upping. In the US is it suggested you take B12 by oncologists fro breast cancer during and after treatment? Thanks and wishing you total recovery and lovely years to come!! Viki
My husband was so low on B12 that the doctor almost considered him giving injections. But he decided to give him pills instead and just wants him to take 2500 mcgs a week. Anything I read says that it safe to take 1000 to 2000 mcgs a day for someone that’s not even deficient.
I’m wondering if he should go against his doctor’s orders by upping the amount that he was told to take.
is it ok to take vits b12 even with out prescription from my dr im stage 2a breas ca ..yhere a lots of supplements drug in yhe market are they sage to take .thnk you
Hi Juliet –
We appreciate you reaching out to us about this.
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis – I’ll be sure to pray for you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global series.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Wishing you endless blessings and love!
Great article. Contains everything u need to know about B12 deficiency. Also raises ur level of motivation if u r vitamin B12 deficient.
Thanks for sharing your feedback with us, Ihsan!
I thought I had read everything to do with B12 but I guess not. First of all the dosage that I was taking was not available in store so I got one double of what I was taking and then I felt like it was too strong for me and I quit taking it weeks back. My B12 levels are on the upper level of the chart at the doctor’s office that I saw online in my account.
I did not know that it is for brain health or drinking too much coffee would deplete the B12. I’ve taken this since my mid 30’s until just recently. I don’t know how many weeks went by that I did not take the B12 but I started taking this again a few days ago.
I thought I should read this again because I quit taking this weeks before my July 31 mini stoke. I could not walk on right foot and three fingers on right hand I could not type but in three days in the hospital the last day depended if I could walk normal on the last day to go home. That last day was like I never had the stroke. I could walk really fast and use my three fingers that day. PT really helped those days. Don’t give up and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. Just do it is what I did. And, don’t let anyone ask you if you are back to normal. I would say I am never going to quit taking my B12 again no matter what.
Hi Linda –
Thanks for your comment.
It can be very confusing to know the best steps to take without professional guidance. A lot of the times we do need to take modified steps than those which are generally recommended because of individual health conditions. So it’s always best to get medical advice from a natural healthcare practitioner.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to get a second opinion with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global Quest series so they can give you the most appropriate advice based on her exact condition.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Hope this is helpful to you.
Blessings and love!
Why did you not discuss the MTHFR gene mutation as it regards to B12. This mutation prevents the methylation process and if you have it you need to take a specific type of Folate, not folic and only methylated B12.
Correct me if I am wrong, but this is very important to certain people!
Hi Gloria! 🙂
Thank you for your comment.
We’ll definitely pass your feedback on to the author.
We also have a separate article dedicated entirely to MTHFR. I’ve linked it below for your convenience: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/mthfr-gene-mutation-cancer/”
Hope this helps. Blessings and love!
Hi, a great article. Just wondering if you could comment on the connection between low vitamin B12 levels and the Mthfr gene mutation please.
Hi Norm! 🙂
Thank you for your comment.
There is a brief mention of B12 levels in our article on MTHFR. I’ve linked it below for your convenience: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/mthfr-gene-mutation-cancer/
Hope this helps. Blessings and love!
Thanks for sharing this information about Vitamin B12 supplement. GOD BLESS
Thanks once again