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SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 5 Researches
5.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B₁₂ (as Methylcobalamin)
1,000 mcg
41,667%
Top Medical Research Studies
3
Vitamin B12 may raise cancer risk
Plasma folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine and prostate cancer risk: a prospective study.
Direct effect on prostate cancer
We examined the connection between vitamin B12 levels and the risk of prostate cancer through a study involving 254 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 514 matched controls. Our findings revealed a surprising and significant link between higher plasma levels of vitamin B12 and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Specifically, the data showed that men in the highest quartile of vitamin B12 levels had nearly three times the risk compared to those in the lowest quartile. This suggests that rather than offering protection, elevated vitamin B12 may play a role in stimulating cancer’s development.
In our analysis, we also looked at plasma folate and homocysteine levels, which are important in the body’s methyl group metabolism and DNA methylation processes. While higher levels of folate were related to increased prostate cancer risk, the findings for homocysteine were not as clear-cut, showing a borderline reduced risk.
Overall, the results from this prospective study suggest that increasing vitamin B12 might be more dangerous than helpful in relation to prostate cancer, urging a reevaluation of how we view vitamin B12 in the context of cancer risk factors.
Specifically, the data showed that men in the highest quartile of vitamin B12 levels had nearly three times the risk compared to those in the lowest quartile. This suggests that rather than offering protection, elevated vitamin B12 may play a role in stimulating cancer’s development.
In our analysis, we also looked at plasma folate and homocysteine levels, which are important in the body’s methyl group metabolism and DNA methylation processes. While higher levels of folate were related to increased prostate cancer risk, the findings for homocysteine were not as clear-cut, showing a borderline reduced risk.
Overall, the results from this prospective study suggest that increasing vitamin B12 might be more dangerous than helpful in relation to prostate cancer, urging a reevaluation of how we view vitamin B12 in the context of cancer risk factors.
Read More
7
Vitamin B12 linked to cancer risk
Circulating folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, vitamin B12 transport proteins, and risk of prostate cancer: a case-control study, systematic review, and meta-analysis.
Moderate relevance due to confounding
Our investigation delved into whether blood levels of vitamin B12 influence prostate cancer risk by analyzing data from a robust study known as the ProtecT study. This research focused on men aged 50 to 69 and incorporated a matched case-control design, comparing plasma vitamin B12 levels in 1,461 prostate cancer cases with 1,507 controls.
We discovered that higher levels of vitamin B12 were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, the study indicated that the odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk for men in the highest quartile of B12 was 1.17 compared to those in the lowest quartile, though this wasn't definitive. Additionally, a meta-analysis reinforced the finding, showing a pooled OR of 1.10 for each 100 pmol/L increase in B12 levels.
Interestingly, while folate levels also appeared to have a positive association with prostate cancer in cohort studies, they did not show a strong correlation in the ProtecT study itself. This suggests that while vitamin B12 may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer, the relationship remains complex and warrants further investigation.
As discussions around mandatory fortification of foods with folate and B12 continue, it’s crucial to assess whether these findings indicate a causal relationship or if other factors might be at play.
We discovered that higher levels of vitamin B12 were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, the study indicated that the odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk for men in the highest quartile of B12 was 1.17 compared to those in the lowest quartile, though this wasn't definitive. Additionally, a meta-analysis reinforced the finding, showing a pooled OR of 1.10 for each 100 pmol/L increase in B12 levels.
Interestingly, while folate levels also appeared to have a positive association with prostate cancer in cohort studies, they did not show a strong correlation in the ProtecT study itself. This suggests that while vitamin B12 may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer, the relationship remains complex and warrants further investigation.
As discussions around mandatory fortification of foods with folate and B12 continue, it’s crucial to assess whether these findings indicate a causal relationship or if other factors might be at play.
Read More
7
Vitamin B12's role in cancer
Coexistence of pernicious anemia and prostate cancer - 'an experiment of nature' involving vitamin B(12 )modulation of prostate cancer growth and metabolism: a case report.
Single patient case study
We explored the complex relationship between vitamin B12 and prostate cancer through the case of a 75-year-old man diagnosed with both prostate cancer and pernicious anemia, which is a significant vitamin B12 deficiency. This unique situation allowed us to observe how B12 therapy impacts cancer progression.
Initially, the patient was under a watchful waiting strategy for his prostate cancer. During this time, we noticed an unexpected swift progression in his Gleason score—a system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. After diagnosing his pernicious anemia, he began receiving vitamin B12 injections. Curiously, upon starting this treatment, there was a notable increase in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are key indicators of prostate cancer activity, as well as an increase in prostatic acid phosphatase.
This increase in these markers raises interesting questions. It appears that the administration of vitamin B12 led to an accelerated progression of prostate cancer, as evidenced by the rise in the rates of these tumor markers. We suggest this may be linked to the fact that before treatment, the patient had low levels of an "active" form of B12 in his system, which could have played a role in the initial slow growth of his cancer.
In conclusion, this case invites further investigation into the potential effects of vitamin B12 on cancer metabolism, particularly how deficiencies might influence tumor growth. While we observed notable changes upon treatment, this remains an isolated case and underscores the need for further research to fully understand this relationship.
Initially, the patient was under a watchful waiting strategy for his prostate cancer. During this time, we noticed an unexpected swift progression in his Gleason score—a system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. After diagnosing his pernicious anemia, he began receiving vitamin B12 injections. Curiously, upon starting this treatment, there was a notable increase in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are key indicators of prostate cancer activity, as well as an increase in prostatic acid phosphatase.
This increase in these markers raises interesting questions. It appears that the administration of vitamin B12 led to an accelerated progression of prostate cancer, as evidenced by the rise in the rates of these tumor markers. We suggest this may be linked to the fact that before treatment, the patient had low levels of an "active" form of B12 in his system, which could have played a role in the initial slow growth of his cancer.
In conclusion, this case invites further investigation into the potential effects of vitamin B12 on cancer metabolism, particularly how deficiencies might influence tumor growth. While we observed notable changes upon treatment, this remains an isolated case and underscores the need for further research to fully understand this relationship.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
3
Concerns regarding B-12
I previously used Methyl B-12 but had to stop. My recent CBC indicated my vitamin B-12 level was exceedingly high. Given my history of breast cancer, I learnt from various articles and my nutritionist that taking B-12 could increase the risk of cancer recurrence. It seems beneficial, but it's not suitable for me.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 5 Researches
5.6
8
Vitamin B12 impact on prostate treatment
Control of prostate cancer associated with withdrawal of a supplement containing folic acid, L-methyltetrahydrofolate and vitamin B12: a case report.
Moderate relevance to study findings
We explored the potential impact of vitamin B12, in combination with folic acid and L-methyltetrahydrofolate, on the management of prostate cancer in a 71-year-old man with a lengthy treatment history. This patient's journey is particularly notable because he experienced biochemical relapse defined by rising levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a marker for prostate cancer progression.
During treatment with docetaxel, a standard chemotherapy for prostate cancer, the patient withdrew from a supplement containing vitamin B12 and folates. Remarkably, this withdrawal was followed by a return to normal PSA levels. This suggests that the taken supplements might have interfered with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy or even stimulated the cancer's progression.
Our findings underline the importance of closely monitoring the use of nutritional supplements in prostate cancer patients. While vitamin B12 alone hasn't been definitively proven to have a specific beneficial effect on prostate cancer, its interactions with other nutrients and cancer treatments warrant careful consideration.
As more countries implement food fortification strategies—including folic acid and vitamin B12—it's essential for physicians to be aware of how these vitamins might affect treatment outcomes for cancer patients, particularly regarding tumor growth and drug resistance.
During treatment with docetaxel, a standard chemotherapy for prostate cancer, the patient withdrew from a supplement containing vitamin B12 and folates. Remarkably, this withdrawal was followed by a return to normal PSA levels. This suggests that the taken supplements might have interfered with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy or even stimulated the cancer's progression.
Our findings underline the importance of closely monitoring the use of nutritional supplements in prostate cancer patients. While vitamin B12 alone hasn't been definitively proven to have a specific beneficial effect on prostate cancer, its interactions with other nutrients and cancer treatments warrant careful consideration.
As more countries implement food fortification strategies—including folic acid and vitamin B12—it's essential for physicians to be aware of how these vitamins might affect treatment outcomes for cancer patients, particularly regarding tumor growth and drug resistance.
Read More
7
Vitamin B12 linked to cancer risk
Circulating folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, vitamin B12 transport proteins, and risk of prostate cancer: a case-control study, systematic review, and meta-analysis.
Moderate relevance due to confounding
Our investigation delved into whether blood levels of vitamin B12 influence prostate cancer risk by analyzing data from a robust study known as the ProtecT study. This research focused on men aged 50 to 69 and incorporated a matched case-control design, comparing plasma vitamin B12 levels in 1,461 prostate cancer cases with 1,507 controls.
We discovered that higher levels of vitamin B12 were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, the study indicated that the odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk for men in the highest quartile of B12 was 1.17 compared to those in the lowest quartile, though this wasn't definitive. Additionally, a meta-analysis reinforced the finding, showing a pooled OR of 1.10 for each 100 pmol/L increase in B12 levels.
Interestingly, while folate levels also appeared to have a positive association with prostate cancer in cohort studies, they did not show a strong correlation in the ProtecT study itself. This suggests that while vitamin B12 may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer, the relationship remains complex and warrants further investigation.
As discussions around mandatory fortification of foods with folate and B12 continue, it’s crucial to assess whether these findings indicate a causal relationship or if other factors might be at play.
We discovered that higher levels of vitamin B12 were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, the study indicated that the odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk for men in the highest quartile of B12 was 1.17 compared to those in the lowest quartile, though this wasn't definitive. Additionally, a meta-analysis reinforced the finding, showing a pooled OR of 1.10 for each 100 pmol/L increase in B12 levels.
Interestingly, while folate levels also appeared to have a positive association with prostate cancer in cohort studies, they did not show a strong correlation in the ProtecT study itself. This suggests that while vitamin B12 may be a potential risk factor for prostate cancer, the relationship remains complex and warrants further investigation.
As discussions around mandatory fortification of foods with folate and B12 continue, it’s crucial to assess whether these findings indicate a causal relationship or if other factors might be at play.
Read More
7
Vitamin B12's role in cancer
Coexistence of pernicious anemia and prostate cancer - 'an experiment of nature' involving vitamin B(12 )modulation of prostate cancer growth and metabolism: a case report.
Single patient case study
We explored the complex relationship between vitamin B12 and prostate cancer through the case of a 75-year-old man diagnosed with both prostate cancer and pernicious anemia, which is a significant vitamin B12 deficiency. This unique situation allowed us to observe how B12 therapy impacts cancer progression.
Initially, the patient was under a watchful waiting strategy for his prostate cancer. During this time, we noticed an unexpected swift progression in his Gleason score—a system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. After diagnosing his pernicious anemia, he began receiving vitamin B12 injections. Curiously, upon starting this treatment, there was a notable increase in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are key indicators of prostate cancer activity, as well as an increase in prostatic acid phosphatase.
This increase in these markers raises interesting questions. It appears that the administration of vitamin B12 led to an accelerated progression of prostate cancer, as evidenced by the rise in the rates of these tumor markers. We suggest this may be linked to the fact that before treatment, the patient had low levels of an "active" form of B12 in his system, which could have played a role in the initial slow growth of his cancer.
In conclusion, this case invites further investigation into the potential effects of vitamin B12 on cancer metabolism, particularly how deficiencies might influence tumor growth. While we observed notable changes upon treatment, this remains an isolated case and underscores the need for further research to fully understand this relationship.
Initially, the patient was under a watchful waiting strategy for his prostate cancer. During this time, we noticed an unexpected swift progression in his Gleason score—a system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. After diagnosing his pernicious anemia, he began receiving vitamin B12 injections. Curiously, upon starting this treatment, there was a notable increase in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are key indicators of prostate cancer activity, as well as an increase in prostatic acid phosphatase.
This increase in these markers raises interesting questions. It appears that the administration of vitamin B12 led to an accelerated progression of prostate cancer, as evidenced by the rise in the rates of these tumor markers. We suggest this may be linked to the fact that before treatment, the patient had low levels of an "active" form of B12 in his system, which could have played a role in the initial slow growth of his cancer.
In conclusion, this case invites further investigation into the potential effects of vitamin B12 on cancer metabolism, particularly how deficiencies might influence tumor growth. While we observed notable changes upon treatment, this remains an isolated case and underscores the need for further research to fully understand this relationship.
Read More
3
No significant benefit found
The causal roles of vitamin B(12) and transcobalamin in prostate cancer: can Mendelian randomization analysis provide definitive answers?
Moderate relevance to prostate cancer risk
We explored how vitamin B(12) might influence the risk of developing prostate cancer. This investigation stemmed from earlier observations that higher levels of vitamin B(12) were linked to increased prostate cancer risk, whereas lower levels of transcobalamin, a protein that carries B(12) in the blood, were associated with reduced risk. To delve deeper, we utilized data from a notable study that included 913 prostate cancer cases and 895 controls.
Our aim was to identify any causal relationships by examining specific genetic markers associated with B(12) and transcobalamin levels. We found that genetic variants significantly influenced B(12) and transcobalamin concentrations, which allowed us to assess their potential association with prostate cancer risk.
However, despite this thorough investigation, the results showed no significant association between vitamin B(12) levels and prostate cancer. The odds ratios calculated indicated that there is currently no compelling evidence to support the idea that B(12) has a positive or negative impact on prostate cancer risk.
Ultimately, while we collected valuable data, the variation in our findings suggests that larger studies or additional genetic variants might be necessary for a clearer understanding of these relationships. It's important to approach the topic of vitamin B(12) and prostate cancer with cautious optimism, acknowledging the need for more research before drawing any definitive conclusions.
Our aim was to identify any causal relationships by examining specific genetic markers associated with B(12) and transcobalamin levels. We found that genetic variants significantly influenced B(12) and transcobalamin concentrations, which allowed us to assess their potential association with prostate cancer risk.
However, despite this thorough investigation, the results showed no significant association between vitamin B(12) levels and prostate cancer. The odds ratios calculated indicated that there is currently no compelling evidence to support the idea that B(12) has a positive or negative impact on prostate cancer risk.
Ultimately, while we collected valuable data, the variation in our findings suggests that larger studies or additional genetic variants might be necessary for a clearer understanding of these relationships. It's important to approach the topic of vitamin B(12) and prostate cancer with cautious optimism, acknowledging the need for more research before drawing any definitive conclusions.
Read More
3
Vitamin B12 may raise cancer risk
Plasma folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine and prostate cancer risk: a prospective study.
Direct effect on prostate cancer
We examined the connection between vitamin B12 levels and the risk of prostate cancer through a study involving 254 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and 514 matched controls. Our findings revealed a surprising and significant link between higher plasma levels of vitamin B12 and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Specifically, the data showed that men in the highest quartile of vitamin B12 levels had nearly three times the risk compared to those in the lowest quartile. This suggests that rather than offering protection, elevated vitamin B12 may play a role in stimulating cancer’s development.
In our analysis, we also looked at plasma folate and homocysteine levels, which are important in the body’s methyl group metabolism and DNA methylation processes. While higher levels of folate were related to increased prostate cancer risk, the findings for homocysteine were not as clear-cut, showing a borderline reduced risk.
Overall, the results from this prospective study suggest that increasing vitamin B12 might be more dangerous than helpful in relation to prostate cancer, urging a reevaluation of how we view vitamin B12 in the context of cancer risk factors.
Specifically, the data showed that men in the highest quartile of vitamin B12 levels had nearly three times the risk compared to those in the lowest quartile. This suggests that rather than offering protection, elevated vitamin B12 may play a role in stimulating cancer’s development.
In our analysis, we also looked at plasma folate and homocysteine levels, which are important in the body’s methyl group metabolism and DNA methylation processes. While higher levels of folate were related to increased prostate cancer risk, the findings for homocysteine were not as clear-cut, showing a borderline reduced risk.
Overall, the results from this prospective study suggest that increasing vitamin B12 might be more dangerous than helpful in relation to prostate cancer, urging a reevaluation of how we view vitamin B12 in the context of cancer risk factors.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8
3
Concerns regarding B-12
I previously used Methyl B-12 but had to stop. My recent CBC indicated my vitamin B-12 level was exceedingly high. Given my history of breast cancer, I learnt from various articles and my nutritionist that taking B-12 could increase the risk of cancer recurrence. It seems beneficial, but it's not suitable for me.
Read More
