B12 may have an indirect link through homocysteine to heart disease because the deficiency of B12 has a direct influence on the metabolism and levels of homocysteine.
Red meat (beef) is a good source of B12. However it is paradoxical to use red meat if one is at high risk of heart disease because of high fat content in beaf.
Yes, it has an effect on the heart. The high level of homocysteine in the blood increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by its role in atherosclerosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a rise in the level of homocysteine in the blood. It was noted by researchers that vitamin B12 helps to lower the level of homocysteine, so vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is generally not present in plant foods, but fortified breakfast cereals are a readily available source of vitamin B12 with high bioavailability for vegetarians. Some nutritional yeast products also contain vitamin B12. Fortified foods vary in formulation, so it is important to read the Nutrition Facts labels on food products to determine the types and amounts of added nutrients they contain.Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur. Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. The neurological symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur without anemia, so early diagnosis and intervention is important to avoid irreversible damage. During infancy, signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental delays, and megaloblastic anemia. Many of these symptoms are general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency.
B12 may have an indirect link through homocysteine to heart disease because the deficiency of B12 has a direct influence on the metabolism and levels of homocysteine.
While animal-derived foods are the usual dietary source for Vitamin B12, there are plant-based foods that contain substantial amounts of Vitamin B12. Non-meat sources include fortified ready-to-eat cereals, milk, yogurt, Swiss cheese and eggs. Researchers have been conducting ongoing research into non-meat sources for this important nutrient. Recently researchers have found traces of vitamin B12 in the outer skin of white button mushrooms and the Nori seaweed.
Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency. And B12 deficiency is associated with increased vascular risk, through elevated Homocysteine.
Are we then contributing to Diabetes patients' cardiovascular risk by prescribing Metformin? Time to move on from Metformin? Maybe to GLP-1 agonists or SGLT2 Inhibitors? [That show cardiovascular benefit]