Does vitamin b12 increase white blood cells
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The Impact of Vitamin B12 on White Blood Cells
Introduction to Vitamin B12 and White Blood Cells
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. One area of interest is its potential impact on white blood cells (WBCs), which are essential components of the immune system.
Vitamin B12 Concentration in White Blood Cells
Research has shown that the concentration of vitamin B12 in white blood cells is significantly higher compared to red blood cells. In a study involving normal and leukaemic rats, it was found that the concentration of B12 in white cells was 200 to 300 times higher than in red cells1. This suggests that white blood cells may have a higher affinity for vitamin B12, potentially indicating a role in their function or proliferation.
Vitamin B12 and Hemoglobin Synthesis
While the primary focus of some studies has been on the relationship between vitamin B12 and red blood cell parameters, such as hemoglobin synthesis, these findings can provide indirect insights into the role of vitamin B12 in overall blood health. For instance, a study on elite athletes found a weak but significant relationship between vitamin B12 and hemoglobin concentrations, suggesting that adequate levels of vitamin B12 are important for optimal red blood cell function2. Although this study did not directly address white blood cells, maintaining a healthy balance of all blood components is crucial for overall immune function.
Conclusion
In summary, while direct evidence linking vitamin B12 supplementation to an increase in white blood cells is limited, the high concentration of vitamin B12 in white blood cells compared to red blood cells suggests a potential role in their function. Further research is needed to conclusively determine the impact of vitamin B12 on white blood cell proliferation and function. Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels is essential for overall blood health, which indirectly supports immune function.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin B12 levels in whole blood, plasma, and blood cells in transplantable rat leukaemias
Vitamin B12 levels in white cells are 200 to 300 times higher than in red cells in both normal and leukaemic A C inbred rats.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyVitamin B12 Status and Optimal Range for Hemoglobin Formation in Elite Athletes
Maintaining a vitamin B12 concentration between 400-700 pg/mL may improve red blood cell parameters in elite athletes, with special attention needed for those with a concentration below 400 pg/mL.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalSerum concentrations of vitamin B12 in patients suffering from leukemia.
Vitamin B12 serum concentrations in chronic myeloid leukemia patients are approximately 15 times normal, bound in alpha globulin fractions, and may correlate with total white cell counts.
Observational Study
Highly CitedEffects of feed restriction and supplementary folic acid and vitamin B12 on immune cell functions and blood cell populations in dairy cows.
Feed restriction in dairy cows impairs immune cell functions, and a folic acid and vitamin B12 supplement does not prevent this effect.
RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalB-vitamin Supplementation Mitigates Effects of Fine Particles on Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction and Inflammation: A Pilot Human Intervention Trial
B-vitamin supplementation can reduce the negative effects of fine particle pollution on cardiac autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in healthy adults.
RCTVitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects individuals of all ages, particularly the elderly, and is caused by inadequate intake, bioavailability, or malabsorption, with management relying on B12 supplementation.
Highly CitedVitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum improves B12 status of both mothers and infants but vaccine response in mothers only: a randomized clinical trial in Bangladesh
Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation improves maternal, infant, and breast milk B12 status, but only improves H1N1 vaccine-specific responses in mothers.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedThe influence of vitamin B12 supplementation on the level of white blood cells and lymphocytes phenotype in rats fed a low-protein diet
Vitamin B12 supplementation can improve immune system parameters in rats fed a low-protein diet after 30 days, but has no effect on long-term malnutrition.
Effect of B12 supplementation on renal anemia among hemodialysis patients at El-Najar hospital, Gaza strip
Vitamin B12 supplementation improves serum B12 levels in hemodialysis patients, leading to increased WBCs, RBCs, Hb, and PLT levels and decreased MCV levels, potentially improving renal anemia in these patients.
Rigorous JournalAssociation of Vitamin B12, Folate, and Sulfur Amino Acids With Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study.
Higher vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin levels may slow brain aging in older adults, while increased homocysteine levels may accelerate it.
Observational StudyHighly Cited