Higher Vitamin B12 concentration closely associated with higher mortality risk in older adults

A recent study found the complex relationship between vitamin B12 levels increasing mortality risks. Based on a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, the findings of the study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics could reshape clinical approaches.

In the pursuit of understanding the implications of serum vitamin B12 levels on human health, this extensive review combed through data from electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials.

The study encompassed 22 cohort studies with a total of 92,346 participants and 10,704 recorded all-cause deaths that uncovered a linear trend. For every 100 pmol/L increase in serum vitamin B12 concentration, there was a 4% higher risk of all-cause mortality in the general population. For older adults, this risk jumped to 6%.

The association between serum vitamin B12 concentration and cardiovascular mortality remained inconclusive, while the evidence for cancer mortality was limited. However, a positive correlation between elevated serum vitamin B12 concentrations (>600 pmol/L) and all-cause mortality, with a 50% increased risk was observed. Similar concerns were raised for cardiovascular mortality (a 104% increased risk) but not for cancer mortality. Even concentrations within the range of 400 to 600 pmol/L were associated to a 34% higher risk of all-cause mortality.

These findings challenge conventional wisdom about the health benefits of vitamin B12. The linear trend and the elevated risks, particularly among older adults which suggest that a deeper exploration of the causes behind elevated vitamin B12 levels is important. The findings emphasize the importance of timely identification and effective management of elevated vitamin B12 levels in clinical practice.

Source:

Liu, K., Yang, Z., Lu, X., Zheng, B., Wu, S., Kang, J., Sun, S., & Zhao, J. (2024). The origin of vitamin B12 levels and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer specific mortality: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 117(105230), 105230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2023.105230