Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer? Complete Guide
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that supports red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and proper nerve function. Maintaining optimum B12 levels is essential for the body’s normal functioning.
According to the South West London Integrated Medicines Optimisation Committee (SWL IMOC), vitamin B12 deficiency is most common among people who follow a vegan diet or are over the age of 60 years. A lack of this essential nutrient can lead to anaemia, neurological disorders, and various physiological or cognitive health problems.
Can Vitamin B12 deficiency be a sign of cancer? Generally, the answer is NO! However, in rare cases of severe deficiency, you can expect early signs of cancer, but its chances are comparatively less.
What is the Normal Range of Vitamin B12?
The normal range of Vitamin B12 in adults is 180-1000 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL), but a slight variation in the range is possible depending on the specific laboratory.
Levels below the borderline range (150-180 pg/mL) are considered early B12 deficiency, and when vitamin B12 drops below 100 pg/mL, it clearly indicates a deficiency.
What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop due to multiple factors that affect its intake or absorption in the body. Understanding the root cause is important in timely prevention and treatment. Here are the top 5 common reasons why Vitamin B12 levels drop in an individual:
Relying on a Vegan Diet
Vitamin B12 is generally present in animal-based foods; therefore, individuals who strictly follow a vegetarian diet are at a higher risk of developing its deficiency.
Improper Absorption
Certain gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn’s disease, Atrophic Gastritis, and Coeliac Disease, can impair the body’s ability to absorb B12. Moreover, the absorption efficiency may also decline with age. Adults over 60 generally have a lower absorption capacity for B12 compared to those below this age group.
Pernicious Anemia
According to research, Pernicious Anemia is one of the most common reasons for Vitamin B12 deficiency. Being an autoimmune disorder, it significantly reduces dietary B12 absorption in the body, resulting in the development of B12 deficiency or megaloblastic anaemia.
Medication
Sometimes, long-term use of certain medicines can reduce the normal absorption of Vitamin B12. For example, some medicines used for diabetes or stomach (to treat acid reflux problems) can decrease the absorption capacity of vitamin B12 in the body.
Surgeries
Some stomach or intestine-related surgeries can also reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 effectively. Therefore, patients may require supplements for their whole life to meet the body’s demands for B12.
7 Alarming Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: What Does Low B12 Indicate?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, from minor health issues to even malignancies. If you notice any of the symptoms in your body or feel that these signs are getting worse, you must consult your doctor for prompt advice.
- Severe anemia
- Certain neurological disorders, such as numbness, tingling, and difficulty in balancing your body.
- Severe gastrointestinal problems, including changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, blood in stools, or severe indigestion.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent infections
- Persistent worsening fatigue
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Early evaluation is crucial; these symptoms can be red flags for serious health conditions. If you experience any of them, consult a healthcare professional without delay. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be a Sign of Cancer?
A nutritional imbalance in the body or poor absorption often causes a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, under certain conditions, this deficiency may indicate some serious underlying health conditions, including cancers.
Although B12 deficiency is not a direct biomarker of cancer, some types, such as prostate cancer, are found to be associated with low levels of Vitamin B12 in the body.
According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, NIH, an insufficient intake of Vitamin B12 may cause cancer. The most common types of cancers that cause B12 deficiency are mentioned below:
Gastrointestinal Cancers
The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers, such as cancer of the small intestine, pancreas, or colon, is often higher in individuals with Vitamin B12 deficiency. These cancers can also trigger Chronic Malabsorption syndrome, decreasing the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12. Common symptoms of gastrointestinal tract-linked B12 deficiency are:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Weight Loss
- Anaemia
In Pancreatic Cancer, the production of digestive enzymes is affected, causing interference with B12 absorption. Similarly, in Stomach Cancer, the cells responsible for the body’s B12 absorption are damaged, leading to poor absorption and an increased risk of deficiency.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Although the exact cause is still unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, unhealthy dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures.
Some studies indicate a possible link between Vitamin B12 deficiency and an increased risk of breast cancer. However, this connection is still under investigation, and more research is needed to establish a clear relationship.
Blood Cancer
Hematological cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia, are among the most commonly observed malignancies in individuals with Vitamin B12 deficiency. These cancers damage the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, thus resulting in megaloblastic anaemia and B12 deficiency.
If someone with a known B12 deficiency develops persistent anemia, elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, or noticeable lymph node enlargement, it is important to consider the possibility of an underlying hematologic malignancy and seek prompt medical evaluation.
Cervical Cancer
Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folate have been linked to an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. These nutrients have an important role in DNA synthesis and repair. So, their absence can result in abnormal cell growth and chromosomal instability, the key factors in cancer development.
A study reports that women diagnosed with cervical cancer had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels compared to the control group. This suggests that maintaining adequate B12 levels may be protective against cervical carcinogenesis.
Can Vitamin B12 Help Prevent Cancer?
Although maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels in the body is essential for normal cellular functions, however, sufficient research-based evidence is not yet available to claim the importance of vitamin B12 in cancer prevention. Therefore, further research is needed to determine whether B12 plays a direct role in reducing cancer risk.
How to Diagnose Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or severe physical or neurological weakness, you may be suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional.
This includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, and specific blood tests, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Methylmalonic acid (MMA), and Homocysteine tests.
One of the most effective ways to confirm your B12 status is through a simple Vitamin B12 Blood Test. The National Blood Test Clinic offers a convenient home blood test service in the UK, allowing you to check your Vitamin B12 levels without visiting a clinic. Book your Vitamin B12 Blood Test today and take the first step toward better health.
How to Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to mild or even serious health issues, but the good news is that it’s treatable, often through dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments.
Dietary Changes
1- Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-based foods. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you may be more at risk of deficiency. To increase your B12 levels naturally, consider including the following in your diet:
- Meat (beef, lamb)
- Poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
2- For those avoiding animal products, certain plant-based options are fortified with Vitamin B12 and can be as good alternatives:
- Nutritional yeast
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Fortified plant-based milk (like soy, almond, or oat milk).
Supplementation
For more severe Vitamin B12 deficiencies, or when dietary changes alone are not effective, supplementation becomes the best treatment option. Several forms are available, depending on the level of deficiency and individual needs. These include:
- Over-the-counter B12 tablets
- Vitamin B12 supplements
- B12 injections (commonly prescribed for severe or absorption-related deficiencies)
Your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable form and dosage based on your condition and lab results. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure treatment is working effectively.
Conclusion
Although vitamin B12 deficiency doesn’t always indicate cancer, however, persistent low levels should not be ignored. It may point to underlying health issues that require medical attention. Early detection is key, so if you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, numbness, or unexplained weight loss, it’s wise to get tested. Take control of your health today, order a home blood test, and get fast, accurate results from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which types of cancers are caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Although there is not enough research to confirm a direct link between Vitamin B12 deficiency and cancer development, some types of cancer, such as gastrointestinal, colon, and pancreatic cancers, have shown a possible association. However, the existing evidence is still limited and not strong enough to establish a definitive connection.
Is B12 deficiency serious?
A mild Vitamin B12 deficiency may not cause serious health concerns. However, if left untreated, a severe deficiency can cause serious complications such as neurological disorders, vision problems, depression, and, in some cases, may be linked to certain types of cancers. Early detection and proper treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.
Should cancer patients take Vitamin B12 supplements?
Cancer patients should only take Vitamin B12 supplements if a blood test confirms a deficiency and their doctor recommends it. In some cases, cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, can impair the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, including B12. However, taking supplements without medical guidance may offer little benefit and could interfere with treatment. It's important to avoid unnecessary supplementation.
Is Vitamin B12 deficiency treatable?
Yes, vitamin B12 deficiency is treatable, usually through oral supplements or B12 injections, depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause. If your B12 levels are low, it's important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment option.
What level of Vitamin B12 deficiency is considered dangerous?
The ideal range of B12 in the human body is typically between 180-1000 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL). A level below 150 pg/mL is considered deficient and may indicate underlying health issues, like anemia, neurological disorders, or malabsorption problems. Similarly, vitamin B12 levels above 900 pg/mL, especially without supplementation, may indicate some serious health complications, including diabetes, leukemia, or liver and kidney disease.
How Long Does it take to recover from Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Usually, the recovery period for B12 deficiency depends on the severity of insufficiency and the underlying cause. However, generally, it takes surround a few weeks to witness the improvements in symptoms.