28 February 2025

The Impact of Vitamin B12 Levels on Cognitive Health in Older Adults

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is essential for nerve function, brain health, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. It is primarily found in animal-based foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy, as well as in fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and supplements.

Although vitamin B12 deficiency is rare, low or borderline levels are common, affecting up to 40% of Western populations. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend a daily intake of 2.4 micrograms for individuals over 14 years old.

A recent study in older adults suggests that both lower and higher vitamin B12 levels, even within the normal range, may be linked to cognitive decline. This finding highlights the importance of maintaining balanced B12 levels for optimal brain health.