Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients.

Episode 423: Why Vitamin B12?

Dr. Warwick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode dedicated to explaining vitamin B12 and its critical role in human health. The episode explores why B12 is essential, who is at risk of deficiency, how to detect it, and the various treatment options available, with particular emphasis on understanding different forms of B12 supplementation and genetic factors affecting B12 metabolism.

Key Takeaways:

• Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, healthy brain function, nerve function, and energy metabolism, making it critical for overall cellular health.

• B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, weakness, inflamed tongue (glossitis), weight loss, appetite changes, and potentially peripheral neuropathy with tingling in the feet if left untreated.

• Vegetarians and vegans, older adults, and people with gut conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease are at higher risk of B12 deficiency due to dietary sources or absorption issues.

• Certain medications and procedures—including long-term proton pump inhibitor use, metformin, and gastric bypass surgery—can significantly reduce B12 absorption and increase deficiency risk.

• B12 can be administered orally at 1,000 micrograms per day or via intramuscular or intravenous injection, with injections providing 100% bioavailability and being particularly effective for neurological symptoms.

• Methylcobalamin is the active, immediately usable form of B12, while cyanocobalamin is synthetic and requires the body to convert it; methylcobalamin is preferred for those with neurological symptoms or absorption issues.

• Up to 40% of the population may have the MTHFR gene mutation, which impairs the ability to convert B12 into its active form, making methylcobalamin supplementation essential for these individuals.

• IV B12 infusions offer the advantage of rapid replenishment for severe deficiencies and can be combined with other beneficial substances like vitamin C, glutathione, and magnesium for enhanced therapeutic effects.

• B12 deficiency should be detected through blood testing rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, and should be included in routine health screening, especially for at-risk populations.

• Understanding your B12 status and discussing supplementation options with your GP is important for maintaining optimal health, particularly if you have genetic factors or conditions affecting B12 metabolism.