Results: B12 deficiency was shown to be a significant risk factor for NAFLD (OR 3.16, 95% CI 3.0636-3.2531, p=0.0001) (Figure 1). Patients with cirrhosis secondary to NAFLD were also likely to have had B12 deficiency at least three months prior to their liver disease (OR 5.42, 95% CI 5.0085-5.8566, p=00001).
For patients at high risk of NAFLD, this study might indicate that the intake of vitamin B12 may be restricted because it might elevate the serum vitamin B12 concentrations, and then increase the risk of NAFLD.
New evidence suggests that low serum Vitamin D may cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hypovitaminosis D is associated with the severity and incidence of NAFLD.
In severe liver disease, liver tissue B12 binding and storage by TC is disrupted and causes B12 to leak out of the liver into the circulation. Eventually liver disease could produce enough severe tissue B12 deficits to cause metabolic dysfunction despite elevated plasma total B12.
The current study showed that supplementation with vitamin B12 (1000 µg cyanocobalamin per day) for 12 weeks among patients with NAFLD improved serum levels of homocysteine. Also, the fasting blood glucose and serum levels of MDA were significantly improved in the trial group who received vitamin B12.
The findings from this research suggest that vitamin B12 and folic acid may have the potential to positively impact liver health, specifically when it comes to individuals with fatty liver disease. These particular nutrients, in the form of supplements, may even hold the possibility of reversing fatty liver disease.
What vitamins are good for fatty liver? There is some evidence that vitamin E could have a positive effect on the liver health of people with NAFLD. Some research suggests that vitamins D, B9, B12, A, and C could help people with NAFLD.
The consequences and severity of B12 deficiency are variable depending on the degree of deficiency and its duration. Major organ systems affected include the blood, bone marrow and nervous system. Megaloblastic anemia results from a defect in thymidine and therefore DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.
If vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause lasting serious side effects that affect the nervous system and brain. More severe side effects of vitamin B12 deficiency include: Peripheral neuropathy. Degeneration of the spinal cord.
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
Causes of fatty liver disease. Eating excess calories causes fat to build up in the liver. When the liver does not process and break down fats as it normally should, too much fat will accumulate. People tend to develop fatty liver if they have certain other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes or high triglycerides.
According to the American Liver Foundation, there are no medical treatments – yet – for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So that means that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the best ways to both prevent liver damage from starting or reverse liver disease once it's in the early stages.
All individuals with renal illness are advised to take vitamin B12 because it is water-soluble. Additionally, most people with chronic liver disease also have hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a sign of vitamin B deficiency and necessitates the use of B12 and B9 supplements.
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don't get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblasts are immature red blood cells that are larger than normal. They usually have an odd shape, too. When you have anemia, your red blood cells have trouble getting oxygen to your tissues and organs.
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can indeed lead to weight gain. But the weight gain is not a direct result of the deficiency. Instead, vitamin B12 deficiency causes lethargy or lack of energy, and in turn, inactivity causes weight gain. When you lack the energy to move, you don't burn fat.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 causes hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) [5,16], and elevated homocysteine is known to lead to an inflammatory state, a risk factor for coronary heart disease [16] and insulin resistance [17,18].
We found highly significant positive correlations between vitamin B12 and the hepatocellular enzymes GGT, GLDH, ASAT and ALAT.