Recent research has found that lower levels of Vitamin B12 is significantly associated with a greater severity of cerebral white matter lesions. ME/CFS patients often suffer from low levels of Vitamin B12 and are given Vitamin B12 supplementation (usually the injectable form) as part of their treatment. Read on for more details of the research that was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, Oct 31, 2008.
Background and Objective: Elevated homocysteine has been associated with higher prevalence of cerebral white matter lesions and infarcts [areas of tissue death due to local lack of oxygen], and worse cognitive performance.
This raises the question whether factors involved in homocysteine metabolism, such as vitamin B12, are also related to these outcomes. We examined the association of several markers of vitamin B12 status with cerebral white matter lesions, infarcts, and cognition.
Methods: We evaluated the association of plasma [blood] concentrations of vitamin B-12, methylmalonic acid, holotranscobalamin, and transcobalamin saturation with cerebral white matter lesions and infarcts at baseline and cognition at baseline and during follow-up among 1,019 non-demented elderly participants of the population-based Rotterdam Scan Study. Analyses were adjusted for several potential confounders, including homocysteine and folate concentration.
Results:
- Poorer vitamin B12 status was significantly associated with greater severity of white matter lesions, in particular periventricular white matter lesions, in a concentration-related manner. [Periventricular refers to the area surrounding the brains fluid-filled cavities or ventricles.]
- Adjustment for common vascular risk factors (including blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and intima media thickness) did not alter the associations.
- Adjustment for homocysteine and folate modestly weakened the associations.
- No association was observed for any of the studied markers of vitamin B12 status with presence of brain infarcts and baseline cognition or cognitive decline during follow up.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that vitamin B12 status in the normal range is associated with severity of white matter lesions, especially periventricular lesions. Given the absence of an association with cerebral infarcts, we hypothesize that this association is explained by effects on myelin integrity in the brain rather than through vascular mechanisms. [Myelin is the insulating lining of nerve fibers, which aids in quick and accurate transmission of electrical current/messages between nerve cells.]
It is so true. We started with Vitamin B IM injection when we were really sick and now we use B12 nasal spray for any chemical exposures. It is good to know too that if you take Vitamin C (I do for detoxing) B12 becomes inactive so you shouldn’t take those two Vitamins together. If you are taking Vitamin C you should also add B12 to your diet because you can also become depleted.
Have a beautiful day.
Anna
[…] Low Vitamin B12 Associated with Increased White Matter Lesions : FightingFatigue.org […]
I had two mri’s two years ago. They said they “think” the spots are nothing and sent me on my way. I just had labwork done and I am b 12 deficient. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal she told me to eat more “greens” ok I need a new dr. When I read what b12 does in the body I thought of my MRI’s and I’m mad as hell no one ever thought to check. I think I have suffered with this for at least 12 years. It may explain 90% Of my health problems including depression. But the Docs would rather shove every antidepressant, antipsychotic and antiepiteptic down my throat than check for a vitamin deficiency. I was so tired more tired that you can imagine. I was sleeping 18 20 hrs a day. I couldn’t breath. I had cracks in the corners of my mouth.my nails were bent funny. seeing a new neurologist and taking vit b12 hopefully all is well.