Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer? Here’s What Science Says
Vitamin B12 — also known as cobalamin — is one of the most essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. It plays a critical role in red blood cell production , nerve function , and DNA synthesis . But when your B12 levels dip too low, it doesn’t just cause fatigue and brain fog — it may also raise serious questions about your overall health. One of the biggest questions many people have is: Can Vitamin B12 deficiency be a sign of cancer? The short answer is nuanced: B12 deficiency alone isn’t proof of cancer , but it can sometimes be associated with certain cancers or underlying conditions that increase cancer risk . Let’s explore what research, medical experts, and clinical evidence tell us. Understanding Vitamin B12 and Its Importance Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. It’s absorbed in the small intestine with the help of a protein called intrinsic factor (produced in the stomach). When that proc...