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Our read is that taking vitamin B12 is well supported, particularly for those on plant-based diets or with specific health concerns.
Our read is that vitamin B12 supplementation is well supported, especially for individuals on plant-based diets, to prevent deficiencies and support cognitive health.
Experts suggest that B12, often alongside other B vitamins and omega-3s, can help reduce homocysteine levels, which is linked to slowing cognitive decline and brain atrophy.
However, the form of B12 and potential interactions with other supplements are important considerations.
Bryan Johnson suggests that vitamin B12 supplementation at 5000% of the daily value may be necessary to reliably raise serum levels due to low bioavailability in supplement form. Paul Saladino recommends taking B12 in forms other than cyanocobalamin, such as methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin.
Paul Saladino cautions that vitamin B12 should be taken in forms other than cyanocobalamin, such as methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, or adenosylcobalamin, as cyanocobalamin contains cyanide, a mitochondrial toxin. He also notes that large doses of vitamin C may contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency. Paul Saladino also states that there is no evidence humans can obtain sufficient Vitamin B12 from soil not fertilized with human manure, and that obtaining B12 from lake water is unfounded. Metformin can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia and potentially irreversible neurological damage (Paul Saladino, Rhonda Patrick).
New evidence demonstrating that plant-based diets reliably provide sufficient bioavailable B12 without supplementation, or that cyanocobalamin is a safe and effective form of B12, would change the verdict.
The intervention improves the primary outcome at standard doses in healthy adults.
Mechanistic and trial evidence converge on a real, replicable effect.
Benefits hold across the populations where it's been tested.
The intervention improves the primary outcome at standard doses in healthy adults.
B complex vitamins (B12, B6), folic acid, and omega-3s can slow brain shrinkage and improve memory in individuals with high homocysteine.
The headline effect shrinks once you account for trial quality.
The headline effect shrinks once you account for trial quality.
Animal-model results don't translate to the human protocol being recommended.
Animal-model results don't translate to the human protocol being recommended.
The headline effect shrinks once you account for trial quality.