Scientists warn that current vitamin B12 guidelines may be putting your brain at risk
New research indicates that current vitamin B12 guidelines may not adequately protect older adults' brain health. A study from UCSF found that even within the normal range, lower levels of active B12 were associated with cognitive decline and brain damage. This raises concerns about the adequacy of existing B12 deficiency definitions and suggests a need for reevaluation to prevent cognitive issues.
- ▪Researchers at UCSF found that older adults with normal but lower levels of active B12 showed signs of cognitive decline.
- ▪The study involved 231 healthy participants with an average age of 71, none of whom had dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
- ▪MRI scans revealed that participants with lower active B12 had a higher volume of white matter lesions linked to cognitive decline.
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Science News from research organizations Scientists warn that current vitamin B12 guidelines may be putting your brain at risk “Normal” vitamin B12 levels may still leave older adults vulnerable to hidden brain damage and cognitive decline, according to new research. Date: May 22, 2026 Source: University of California - San Francisco Summary: Getting enough vitamin B12 to meet current health guidelines may not actually be enough to protect the aging brain. Researchers at UC San Francisco found that older adults with “normal” but lower levels of active B12 showed signs of slower thinking, delayed visual processing, and more damage to the brain’s white matter — the communication highways that help different brain regions work together.
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