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

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-01-25T18:45:23+05:30 | Updated On 27 Jan 2024 2:51 PM IST

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

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatricsvitamin B12 concentrationsall-cause mortality

Source : Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751