Recent Study Finds Link Between Deficiency in Vitamin B12 and Heart Health

Based on recent research that came out in the Nutrients journal, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to an individual's triglyceride and cholesterol levels to rise.

Vitamin B12, according to the said study, is essential for the maintenance of "energy and endurance levels." And, in order for one to guarantee he is getting adequate vitamin B12, it is recommended for him to add animal products such as "meat, fish eggs and dairy" to his diet.

In their most recent work, researchers found that deficiency in the said vitamin could impact a person's risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Specifically, the study identified the link between an individual's vitamin B12 levels and his series of blood tests also known as lipid profiles that include his cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These are types of fats found in the blood.

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Researchers Found Low Vitamin B12 Levels

Researchers studied more than 340 healthy women whose ages range from 19 to 31 years and gathered data on their vitamin levels, physical activity, and diet.

As a result, they discovered low vitamin B12 levels linked to higher cholesterol levels and triglycerides, even following adjustment for the impacts that the BMI or body mass index, abdominal fats, and the total percentage of the body fats have on an individual's body.

According to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center staff dietitian, Liz Weinandy, R.D., the reason for this is essential.

Specifically, she said, "For both men and women, lower levels of vitamin B12 may be linked to higher amino acid levels also known as "homocysteine" in the blood, which, according to study, is "seen as a marker for heart disease's early development" since it can impair arteries and veins which also include the ones surrounding the heart.

Particularly for cyclists, experts say, it is vital to get adequate vitamin since it can impact one's energy, as well as his endurance levels.

The study indicates that the recommended daily allowance "for vitamin B12 in most healthy adult individuals is 2.4 micrograms every day." However, for pregnant women, they need a little more in terms of daily allowance with 2.6 micrograms.

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To Meet the RDA

Most individuals simply meet the RDA if they consume animal products such as meat, eggs fish, and dairies explained Weinandy.

The dietitian also said individuals who may not get an adequate amount of vitamin B12 are vegetarians, vegans, and those with GI illnesses as they are experiencing "malabsorption problems." Those taking certain medications like metformin, for one, are less likely to get enough vitamin B12.

Additionally, Weinandy said, even if a person has issues with bad cholesterol and high triglycerides, she is not recommending "running out of a B12 supplement" until he gets checked by his doctor, for his vitamin levels to identify if he actually is, experiencing a deficiency.

Meanwhile, the expert also proposed "a better first step may be the produce section." More so, adding nutritional yeast to the regular diet is one of the easiest ways to receive more of the vitamin B12.

If an individual has to heart ailment or is worried about prevention, he should also look at his general intake of food, including not just vitamin B12, but the amount of his healthy and unhealthy fat consumption, too.

"We know people," Weniandy elaborate, "Who eats more fruits and vegetables" are less likely to experience heart disease, and thus, "Things like this" need to be the focus and "not just one nutrient."

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