A very important vitamin in the body, B12, supports nerve function and DNA production. This is a crucial vitamin that when we do not sufficiently obtain it in our diet, can contribute to health issues such as anemia and other neurological morbidity related to cognitive decline. But new research indicates that the low vitamin B12 levels could lead to worse health outcomes, possibly cancer. In this detailed blog we will learn about how vitamin B12 deficiency has a link with cancer, what are the symptoms and causes related to that, why it is necessary for treating in any case of suspicion, and symptoms. We will discuss how addressing these could potentially impact our treatments.
What is Vitamin B12 and Why does it Matters?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), a water-soluble vitamin which naturally exists in different forms, including Vegan & Animal forms. For many functions in the body, it is essential :
Production Of Red Blood Cells: Vitamin B12 aids in the production of red blood cells. Its deficiency can impair the formation of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Nervous System Health: B12 is important for maintaining nerve health because it contributes to building myelin, which forms a protective coating over nerves.
DNA Synthesis: Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the synthesis of all cells. DNA is the building blocks of all human beings. B12 is required for normal processes, without enough B12 cell division and growth are limited.
Energy Production: It aids in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which is used by the body for energy.
Why Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Happens?
The development of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur for several reasons.
- Dietary: A major cause of developing B12 deficiency is being a vegan/strict vegetarian, as vitamin B12 is found exclusively in animal products.
- Absorption Issues: The conditions associated with the absorption of B12 include; Pernicious Anaemia, Celiac Disease, Crohn’s disease and surgical removal of parts of the stomach or intestine.
- Medications: Some medications, like metformin (diabetes medication) or proton pump inhibitors (acid reflux meds), can decrease B12 absorption.
- Getting older: Your stomach starts to produce less acid as you get older, and so you’ll need higher levels of B12.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency are not specific, quite varied in presentation, and often subclinical. In the video, “they can be mild but will get really bad if you don’t address them”
- Fatigue and Weakness: One common symptom of anemia in other countries due to B12 deficiency.
- Neurological symptoms: numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, balance issues such as difficulty walking & cognitive impairment.Tag a friend who displays some of these signs regularly.
- Paleness or Jaundiced Skin: a side effect of anemia and red blood cells disintegrating.
- Mouth Ulcers and Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue leading to a sore red tongue, mouth bleeds.
- Feeling faint or short of breath: Signs of anemia; less oxygen is being sent to the body.
The Link Between Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Cancer
Newer research has proposed a possible association between lack of folate and higher risk for certain cancers. Although research is ongoing, what we know so far includes —
Higher incidence of Gastric Cancer
The association between B12 deficiency and gastric cancer is perhaps the best described. This is especially evident in individuals with pernicious anemia, a decrease in B12 absorption that additionally heightens stomach cancer risk.
Colorectal Cancer
Finally, some studies have shown that low B12 levels (and/ or folate with high homocysteine) correlate to an increased risk of colon cancer. DSM-IV conceptualizes some of these problems as psychological disturbances experienced after birth, which both precede the person’s drinking behavior and are legacies left by childhood family dysfunctions; but more direct linkage could be established through research before long.
Breast Cancer

Low levels of B12 have recently been shown to be a risk factor for women in the development of breast cancer. The association is still under consideration.
Cervical Cancer
B12 deficiency could be a factor which plays the part within your possibility of getting cervical cancer, particularly when you happen to have also acquired any folate deficit.
Hematologic Cancers
Low levels of B12 might be connected to hematologic cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Megaloblastic anemia is associated with some cancer types, and it may occur because of B12 deficiency.
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Indicate Cancer?
The presence of vitamin B12 deficiency alone is not a definitive sign of cancer. However, in some cases, it could be an indicator that warrants further investigation, especially in individuals who are at risk for certain types of cancer. Here’s how B12 deficiency could be related to cancer:
Cancer and Malabsorption: Some cancers, especially the ones affecting your digestive system can cause malabsorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12. One example is gastric cancer, in which an intrinsic factor — a substance that must combine with B12 to be absorbed by the intestines into our bloodstream can be interfered with.
Treating Cancer: Chemotherapy and radiation, used to combat cancer can destroy cells in the digestive tract which may cause malabsorption of B12 Dietary restrictions (cancer patients) and loss of appetite can also result in a deficiency which leads to osteoporosis.
Megaloblastic Anemia: Megaloblastic anemias as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency, resembling blood cancers like leukemia in some cases. ConversOutput 4) In contrast, some blood cancers can lead to B12 Output.
B12 as a Biomarker: Some researchers have been studying the preventative potential of B12 levels in certain cancers. But more work is needed there.
Diagnosing Vitamin B12 Deficiency
If you think that the vitamin B12 deficiency is one of your problems, then seek consultation from a healthcare provider. Tests to diagnose a B12 deficiency usually include:
Blood Tests: blood tests measure the quantity of vitamin B12 present in your blood. With levels under 200 pg/mL most clinicians consider deficient.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): More info This test measures the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in your blood, which can indicate anemia. 4
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) Test: MMA is released into the blood and urine when B12 levels are low; high levels of MMA can indicate a vitamin deficiency.
Homocysteine Test: High levels of homocysteine can also indicate a B12 deficiency, because vitamin B12 is necessary to convert homocysteine into methionine.
Addressing Vitamin B12 Deficiency
This is how you may be cured if a vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosis has been made:
Dietary changes: Eating more food that contains vitamin B12, ex. meat, fish eggs and dairy products In plants-only diets, fortified foods and supplements may be required especially for vegetarians or practically all the nutrients including B12.
Oral Supplements: In the majority of cases, deficiency can be treated with over-the-counter vitamin B12 supplements.
Injections: For those with severe deficiency, or when absorption is compromised B12 injections may be necessary.
Underlying Causes: If the deficiency is caused by an underlying disease, such as pernicious anemia or GI issues, treating the primary issue will be necessary.
Can Treating B12 Deficiency Help Prevent Cancer?
Maintaining B12 levels ensures a healthy body, but as of now there is no strong evidence that suggests curing the deficiency can directly prevent cancer from occurring. Still, optimizing B12 levels is crucial for health and may lower the risk of complications linked to deficiency — many of which could have any cancer-promoting effects.
Can vitamin B12 be a sign of cancer?
Vitamin B12 deficiency alone doesn’t directly cause cancer, but research suggests a possible link between low levels of B12 and an increased risk of certain cancers.
In cases of pernicious anemia, the immune system attacks healthy stomach cells, which can elevate the risk of developing stomach cancer. Individuals with normal B12 levels typically have a lower risk of this condition.
Additionally, there’s a connection between low B12 levels and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections, which are responsible for about 99.8% of cervical cancer cases. Studies have shown that patients with low B12 levels may be at a higher risk of contracting HPV.
While cervical cancer generally has a high survival rate, it’s important to consult your doctor if you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, especially if you’re concerned about cancer risk.
The Importance of Immunotherapy in Cancer
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for various types of cancer. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which target cancer cells directly, immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This treatment can be particularly effective for cancers that have spread or are resistant to other treatments.
Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency can also benefit from immunotherapy.
Improved Immune Function: Helps to Boost Immune Function as the vitamin B12 promotes a healthy immune system. Correcting B12 deficiency might optimize immune functions at baseline, and thus make immunotherapy treatments more effective.
Helps Recovery: If you have cancer and happen to be treated with immunotherapy, proper B12 levels can support your post-treatment recovery.
It helps in lowering side effects: B12 supplementation can aid to reduce the negativity of several other cancer remedies along with chemo-induced fatigue and neuropathy.
Denvax India: A Leading Cancer Immunotherapy Hospital
If you or a family member is currently undergoing cancer treatment and is worried about B12 deficiency involvement, it is important to consult with the appropriate specialist. Denvax India, being a pioneer in Immunotherapy for cancer treatment in India has a team of trained professionals and equipped with high-end facilities. Denvax India provides patient-centric solutions for cancer care combining the breakthroughs in immunotherapy.
Denvax — By enabling the immune systems of the body, we empower it to fight against cancer efficiently. This clinic takes a wider view of health, caring for the whole person rather than just attacking their cancer — or indeed other aspects of dis-ease such as low B12RelativeTo some treatment centers.
Denvax India has named itself as the best immunotherapy in India due to its dedicated approach towards Immunotherapy coupled with patient centric care. For state of art and highly efficacious cancer treatment, approach for Denvax(India).
Also Read: Throat Cancer Symptoms
Conclusion
Not being able to clear up a vitamin b12 deficiency is one of the health crises that can have a long term profound impact on your body. On its own, a deficiency is not an absolute trigger for cancer but it may involve some particular forms of the disease and might make your treatment more complicated. The identification and treatment of a B12 deficiency through changes in diet, supplementation or perhaps even medical intervention is vital not only to your overall well being but especially if you are undergoing cancer treatments.
Advanced treatment options such as immunotherapy can deliver substantial results for those fighting cancer. Denvax India is the best cancer hospital in India but uses immune-based therapy to provide a personalized medicine approach, resulting in improved outcomes of survival with good quality life.
Also Read: Stomach Cancer Symptoms