2026 Study Ties Low Vitamin B12 to Muscle Energy Loss as Deficiency Mimics Aging
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 28
2026 Study Ties Low Vitamin B12 to Muscle Energy Loss as Deficiency Mimics Aging
3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Jun 28
Summary
A 2026 lab study found low vitamin B12 can disrupt mitochondrial DNA in skeletal muscle cells, cutting energy production and offering a new explanation for fatigue before anemia appears.
A related mouse study in aged females showed B12 supplementation improved mitochondrial number, structure and other muscle-health markers, reinforcing the link between B12 status and cellular energy.
Vitamin B12 deficiency remains common in older adults, vegans, vegetarians and people with absorption problems caused by autoimmune gastritis, weight-loss surgery, or some diabetes and acid-reflux drugs.
Symptoms such as exhaustion, tingling, poor balance and brain fog are often mistaken for normal aging, but researchers said B12 shots are proven mainly for diagnosed deficiency, not as energy boosters for people with normal levels.