Elevated B12 Levels Linked to Cancer Risk

Researchers in Denmark have found a link between elevated vitamin B12 levels and cancer risk.

B12, known as cobalamin, has the most complex structure compared to other vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body - its reserves are stored in the liver.

Studying the effects of the vitamin on the body, scientists from Aarhus University Hospital found that its elevated levels may be associated with the risk of developing cancer.

The researchers used data from more than 333,000 patients who did not have cancer at the start of the study. Human observations were conducted from 1998 to 2010. As a result, doctors found that with increased levels of cobalamin, the risk of cancer increased, especially during the first year of follow-up. In particular, the likelihood of developing cancer was high among patients whose cobalamin values were above 800 picomoles per liter (800pmol/L).

Over a five-year perspective, patients with abnormally high levels of the vitamin had an increased risk of developing blood cancers and cancers associated with smoking and alcohol consumption (liver, lung and colon damage).

It is notable, high amounts of the vitamin in the body were not associated with the intake of B12 foods or supplements, as their consumption did not lead to a significant increase in cobalamin levels. Researchers believe that high levels of the vitamin may be the result of some unknown malignant process, reports Medical Daily.