Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. It plays a vital role in the body, helping to maintain healthy red blood cells and neurological function. While it is necessary for good health, research has not established a direct link between vitamin B12 and increased cholesterol levels.
Studies have suggested that a deficiency in vitamin B12 may be associated with higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, this is likely due to the underlying cause of the deficiency rather than the vitamin itself. For example, if a person is deficient in vitamin B12 due to poor dietary choices, the cholesterol levels could be elevated due to the poor dietary habits and not the vitamin deficiency itself.
In addition, research indicates that supplementing with vitamin B12 does not cause an increase in cholesterol levels. In a study of over 3,000 adults, researchers found that taking a B12 supplement did not lead to an increase in total cholesterol or LDL levels. This suggests that taking a B12 supplement is unlikely to raise cholesterol levels.
Overall, there is no direct link between vitamin B12 and increased cholesterol levels. While a deficiency in vitamin B12 may be associated with higher cholesterol levels, this is likely due to the underlying cause of the deficiency rather than the vitamin itself. Additionally, supplementing with B12 does not appear to increase cholesterol levels.