Wiley: vitamin B12 deficiency in the body is linked to heart and vascular disease

Researchers from the University of Barcelona have found that vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The results of the study are published in Wiley Online Library.

Vitamin B12 is essential for human health. Its deficiency can cause the development of diabetes, heart disease and vascular disease. Scientists have found that these conditions are associated with an increase in inflammatory markers in the body. Inflammatory markers are substances that have a certain biological activity, which serves as an indicator of a physiological or pathological process.

The researchers also found that the more vitamin B12 in a person's body, the lower their inflammatory markers. This means that B12 may have a protective effect, preventing the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The concentration of vitamin B12 in humans is known to decrease with age. A study involving mice showed that in rodents the level of this vitamin remains stable throughout life. Scientists suggest that studying mice will allow developing effective strategies to prevent B12 deficiency in older people. In addition, the researchers plan to find out whether vitamin B12 supplements are effective in the therapy of various diseases.

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