Low vitamin B12 levels are associated with a higher risk of vascular disease, but taking supplements does not reduce the rate of heart attacks and only helps lower the likelihood of stroke when combined with folate, the website infohub.kz reports.
Despite the established statistical link between vitamin B12 deficiency and the development of cardiovascular disease, regular use of dietary supplements does not guarantee protection against serious cardiac events. That is the conclusion of the authors of a large scientific review published in the journal Nutrition Journal. The researchers analyzed laboratory experiments, clinical trials and epidemiological data to assess the real therapeutic potential of cobalamin preparations for vascular health.
A shortage of vitamin B12 triggers the buildup of the amino acid homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, causing endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and damage to blood vessel walls. However, randomized clinical trials have shown that lowering homocysteine in isolation with B12 supplements has virtually no effect on the rate of myocardial infarction or overall mortality from heart disease. The only consistent positive effect was recorded in stroke prevention: combination therapy with B vitamins reduces their frequency by about 10%, reaching 30–35% in regions without mandatory folic acid fortification of foods.
"The greatest benefit lies in correcting the deficiency and reducing stroke risk in vulnerable groups or patients with cerebrovascular disease. In well-nourished populations, the additional cardioprotective effect is negligible," the authors of the study, led by A. Avashra, emphasized.
The specialists do not recommend mass screening for B12 for the sake of heart disease prevention, advising instead that efforts focus on at-risk groups — older people, vegans and patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.