Beneficial effects of vitamin B ₁₂ treatment in pediatric patients diagnosed with vitamin B ₁₂ deficiency regarding total-native thiol, oxidative stress, and mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage

Vitamin B12—Multifaceted In Vivo Functions and In Vitro Applications

“…Vitamin B12, i.e., a group of chemical compounds called cobalamins, is essential for the proper functioning and metabolism of DNA. Indeed, numerous clinical studies report lower systemic vitamin B12 concentrations to be associated with higher levels of DNA damage and subsequent vitamin B12 treatment to decrease this damage [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 77 , 78 ].…”

“…Eight-day supplementation reduced the amount of DNA damage; however, it was still higher than in a control group of children with normal levels of vitamin B12 [ 71 ]. Another pediatric study showed that B12 supplementation reduced oxidative stress in children with vitamin B12 deficiency and improved antioxidant parameters, such as total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), total thiol (TT) and native thiol (NT) [ 72 ]. The above data indicate that in vivo, vitamin B12 has a protective effect on DNA and exhibits antioxidant properties.…”

“…Vitamin B12 affects a wide range of functions in the cell and the body, which may explain its activity in the prevention and the course of cancer. There is a considerable correlation between low vitamin B12 levels and increased oxidative stress in healthy subjects [ 72 , 106 , 107 ]. Meanwhile, there are also studies that show a positive association between elevated vitamin B12 levels and cancer risk in the prostate (OR = 1.17 in the highest vs. lowest quartile of B12 concentration; in the meta-analysis OR = 1.10 for 100 pmol/L increase in B12 concentration) and lungs (OR = 1.15 for a doubling in B12 concentration) [ 108 , 109 ].…”

Beyond Diabetes Management: Unraveling Metformin’s Long-Term Effects on Vitamin B12

“…2), including peripheral neuropathy, cognitive decline, dementia, and psychiatric conditions like depression [12]. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency can result in hematologic anomalies, including the development of megaloblastic anemia [13]. In infants, neglecting vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to developmental setbacks, movement irregularities, and failure to thrive.…”