Cornell Study Says Vitamin B12 Powers Red Blood Cells, Nerves and DNA in Tiny Daily Doses
Updated
Updated · Moneycontrol · Jun 27
Cornell Study Says Vitamin B12 Powers Red Blood Cells, Nerves and DNA in Tiny Daily Doses
2 articles · Updated · Moneycontrol · Jun 27
Summary
Cornell researchers said vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood cells, nerve protection and DNA production, underscoring how a nutrient needed only in millionths of a gram can have outsized health effects.
Common deficiency signs include persistent fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, tingling, poor balance, memory lapses and brain fog, symptoms that often build gradually and are mistaken for normal ageing.
Older adults, vegans, vegetarians and people with impaired absorption face higher risk; long-term use of some diabetes or acid-reflux medicines can also reduce B12 uptake.
Early lab and animal studies suggest low B12 may also impair mitochondria and energy production before anaemia appears, though researchers said more human evidence is still needed.
Doctors advise confirming deficiency with a blood test, noting supplements or injections are proven to help people with genuine low B12, not those whose levels are already normal.