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Vitamin B12 supplements may help treat hepatitis C

A pilot study found that adding vitamin B12 to standard hepatitis C virus treatment significantly boosts the body's ability to keep the virus at bay, especially in patients with genotype 1 HCV or high viral loads. The treatment strengthened the rate of sustained viral response by 34%.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJul 17, 2012

Vegans' elevated heart risk requires omega-3s and B12

A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry suggests that vegans may be at higher risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis due to low levels of essential nutrients. Increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can help mitigate these risks, particularly through sources like salmon, walnuts, and fortified milk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 6, 2011

BGU researchers identify vitamin B12 as an effective canker sore therapy

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a nightly dose of vitamin B12 significantly reduces Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) symptoms, including pain, ulcers, and outbreaks. The treatment resulted in a 74% remission rate among patients taking vitamin B12 compared to 32% for those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2009

Folate and B12 may influence cognition in seniors

A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2007

UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore researchers

Researchers at UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new test that can diagnose vitamin B12 absorption problems with a single drop of blood. This simple test could help identify patients at risk for dementia and anemia, allowing for early treatment and prevention of permanent damage. The breakthrough uses...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2006

Vitamins help treat depression

Researchers found a positive association between high vitamin B12 levels and effective treatment of major depressive disorder. Patients with higher vitamin B12 concentrations responded better to treatment, even when other factors were controlled for.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateDec 1, 2003

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common among both vegetarian and nonvegetarian Asian Indians

A 1996 study found that nearly half of Asian Indian participants had low vitamin B-12 levels, with 52% showing metabolic indications of deficiency. The study suggests genetic adaptations and gastrointestinal infections may contribute to the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in this population.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 24, 2001

Can We Prevent Hearing Loss In Elderly Women?

A recent study found that women with impaired hearing had lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 and folate compared to those with normal hearing. The researchers suggest that dietary recommendations aimed at influencing the course of age-related hearing loss may be possible, but more advanced studies are needed.