Vitamin b12 for men
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The Role of Vitamin B12 for Men: Health Implications and Benefits
Vitamin B12 and Cognitive Function in Older Men
Research has explored the impact of vitamin B12 on cognitive function in older men. A study involving 299 hypertensive men aged 75 and older found that daily supplementation with vitamin B12, along with vitamins B6 and folic acid, did not significantly improve cognitive function over a two-year period. The study also indicated no substantial reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia over an eight-year follow-up 1.
Vitamin B12 and Chromosome Damage
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to increased chromosome damage. A study of 64 healthy men aged 50 to 70 years found that those with low levels of vitamin B12 and elevated homocysteine had a higher rate of chromosome damage in lymphocytes. Supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid improved folate and homocysteine levels but did not reduce chromosome damage, suggesting that elevated homocysteine and low vitamin B12 are significant risk factors for chromosome damage 2.
Vitamin B12 and Depression
The relationship between vitamin B12 and depression has been investigated in older men. A two-year placebo-controlled trial with 299 men aged 75 and older showed that supplementation with vitamin B12, B6, and folic acid did not significantly reduce the severity of depressive symptoms or the incidence of clinically significant depression 3. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that higher dietary intake of vitamin B12 might be inversely associated with the risk of depression, particularly in females 8.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Gender Differences
A large cross-sectional study highlighted that men are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency compared to women. The study, which included 7,963 healthy individuals, found that 25.5% of men had vitamin B12 deficiency, compared to 18.9% of women. This gender difference in deficiency prevalence suggests that men might need to be more vigilant about their vitamin B12 intake 4.
Vitamin B12 and Stroke Risk
Vitamin B12 intake has been associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke. A study following 43,732 men over 14 years found that higher intake of vitamin B12 was linked to a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke. This suggests that adequate vitamin B12 intake may be beneficial for cardiovascular health in men 5.
Genetic Factors Influencing Vitamin B12 Levels
Genetic factors play a role in determining serum vitamin B12 levels. A genome-wide association study in Chinese men identified several novel genetic loci associated with vitamin B12 levels, providing insights into the biochemical pathways that influence vitamin B12 status and its role in health and disease 6.
Vitamin B12 and Bone Health
Low plasma vitamin B12 levels have been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD). The Framingham Osteoporosis Study found that men with plasma B12 levels below 148 pM had significantly lower BMD at the hip, indicating that vitamin B12 deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis in men 9.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in various aspects of men's health, including cognitive function, chromosome integrity, mental health, cardiovascular health, and bone density. While supplementation may not always yield significant improvements in certain conditions like cognitive function or depression, maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels is essential for overall health and well-being. Men, particularly older adults, should ensure sufficient intake of vitamin B12 through diet or supplements to mitigate the risks associated with deficiency.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid for cognition in older men
Daily supplementation with vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid does not improve cognitive function or reduce the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia in hypertensive men aged 75 and older.
RCT
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedFolate, vitamin B12, homocysteine status and chromosome damage rate in lymphocytes of older men.
Daily folic acid supplementation can significantly improve folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine levels, potentially reducing chromosome damage in older men.
RCTHighly CitedVitamins B12, B6, and folic acid for onset of depressive symptoms in older men: results from a 2-year placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Vitamins B12, B6, and B6 are no better than placebo at reducing the severity of depressive symptoms or the incidence of clinically significant depression in older men over a 2-year period.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin B12 Deficiency and the Role of Gender: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Large Cohort
Men are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency than women, with genetic variations playing a role, possibly due to diet habits or estrogen effects.
Observational StudyFolate, Vitamin B6, and B12 Intakes in Relation to Risk of Stroke Among Men
Increased folate intake is associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke in men, while vitamin B12 intake also inversely affects the risk of ischemic stroke.
Observational StudyHighly CitedGenome-wide association study identifies novel loci associated with serum level of vitamin B12 in Chinese men.
Four novel genomic loci, MS4A3, CLYBL, FUT6, and 5q32 region, are significantly associated with vitamin B12 levels in Chinese men, offering new insights into vitamin B12's role in health and disease.
Observational StudyEfficacy of B vitamins in lowering homocysteine in older men: maximal effects for those with B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia.
B vitamins effectively lower homocysteine levels in older men with low B12 or high homocysteine levels, potentially benefiting community-dwelling men with these conditions.
RCTAssociations of dietary vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Intake of dietary vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 may be inversely associated with depression risk, with significant inverse associations observed in females but not in males.
Meta-AnalysisLow Plasma Vitamin B12 Is Associated With Lower BMD: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study
Low vitamin B12 levels are associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in men and women, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin 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 Cited