High vitamin B12 levels and cancer: how they’re related

Updated on November 30, 2023.

Medically reviewed on January 23, 2023 by Morgan Spicer, Medical Communications Manager. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• What Is Vitamin B12?
• High Vitamin B12 Levels and Cancer: What’s the Connection?
• What Causes High Vitamin B12 Levels?
• Does Having High Vitamin B12 Levels Mean Cancer?
• Should I Be Concerned About High Vitamin B12 Levels?
• Who Needs Extra Vitamin B12?
• What Are the Potential Consequences of a Low Vitamin B12 Level?
• Support Your Health With B12 Supplements From Everlywell
• Related content

Whether you’re choosing supplements to help meet nutritional recommendations, or just stay apprised of the latest headlines in healthcare, few of us were excited to hear that a nutrient as essential for our bodies as vitamin B12 could potentially cause health problems.

While several studies have demonstrated a correlation between cancer and excessive levels of B12, the NIH emphasizes that evidence here remains inconclusive. That said, with a handful of studies to indicate the contrary, is the link valid or simply mere hearsay?

Below, we unpack the scenarios in which vitamin B12 is helpful versus harmful so you can make an informed decision about the supplements you take and your long-term health.

What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is part of the vitamin B complex. This is a collection of eight vitamins that assist with everything from optimal cognitive function to converting the carbohydrates you consume into usable energy [1].

Stored in your liver, vitamin B12 is responsible for supporting a range of vital functions on its own. These include [2]:

• DNA synthesis
• Healthy red blood cell formation
• Central nervous system development and function
• Enzyme function

Interest in vitamin B12’s role has grown in recent years, and not just because it keeps our neurons firing, helps us learn new skills, and enhances our memories [3]. In excessive amounts, some evidence shows vitamin B12 may be linked to heightened vulnerability to certain cancers.

High Vitamin B12 Levels and Cancer: What’s the Connection?

esearch on the relationship between B12 and cancer is still in its early stages, and science-backed findings remain inconclusive. That said, there are some hypotheses to be aware of if you're concerned about the link between a high vitamin B12 level and cancer.

Excessive Vitamin B12 May Increase the Risk of Lung and Colon Cancer

A large-scale 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that males who supplemented with “megadoses” of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 had a 30 to 40% increased risk of lung cancer when compared to males and females who didn’t supplement [4].

However, this higher risk was discovered in male current smokers. Further, the male subjects took 23 times the recommended daily amount over the course of 10 years. Females who participated in the study did not demonstrate an increased risk of lung cancer.

Nonetheless, this led the study authors to conclude that supplementing with vitamin B12 should not be deemed a “chemopreventive” measure for lung cancer. In fact, doing so may have the opposite effect [4].

In a follow-up study, researchers found that supplementing with vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid) may increase the risk of colon cancer. These two nutrients are frequently used to support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, researchers still maintain that a larger, more comprehensive study must be performed to render findings conclusive.

High Vitamin B12 Levels May Be a Biomarker of Cancer

A 2013 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute concluded that elevated serum cobalamin (B12) levels were associated with [5]:

• Subsequent cancer diagnoses, primarily in the first year of follow-up
• An increased cancer risk, especially in smoking-, hematological- (blood), and alcohol-related cancers

Ultimately, this study found that elevated B12 levels may be an important biomarker for cancer. The hypothesis was corroborated in a separate 2020 study, which showed that an unexplained high level of serum vitamin B12 might be linked to the development of “solid” cancers (those with tumors, as in breast cancer) [6]. However, this theory requires further research [6].

It’s critical to note, however, that it’s unclear if the disease process itself causes elevated vitamin B12 levels [7]. Further, the authors of the latter study stated that the increase in vitamin B12 was likely not related to standard vitamin B12 intake since foods and dietary supplements do not have a substantial effect on the amount of B12 in blood plasma.

Vitamin B12 May Not Have an Effect at All

On the other hand, an older study featured in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported no correlation between vitamin B12 and a heightened risk of lung cancer [8].

So, where does this leave us?

While evidence on the connection between vitamin B12 and cancer is varied, this makes it all the more important for individuals to evaluate their vitamin levels before taking a vitamin B12 supplement. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before introducing any new vitamin or mineral into your diet.

What Causes High Vitamin B12 Levels?

As these findings demonstrate, the increased risk for lung cancer was due to incredibly high doses of vitamin B12—23 times more than the recommended daily amount of 2.4 micrograms [9].

Other research hypothesized that vitamin B12 levels became elevated during the disease process. This is because, like its cousins in the B-complex, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means any B12 you don’t need is excreted through urine.

In the absence of vitamin B12 supplementation, high levels of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream may be indicative of more serious underlying health issues. These include [10]:

• Several types of liver diseases (e.g., acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and liver cancer)
• Certain blood cancers, such as leukemia and polycythemia vera
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome, a group of blood disorders that may cause organ damage [11]

Does Having High Vitamin B12 Levels Mean Cancer?

Not necessarily, but it's recommended you consult with your healthcare provider if you suspect you have an elevated B12 level. This is particularly important if you experience any symptoms of high B12 levels in blood, including [9]:

• Gastrointestinal issues (like nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea)
• Headaches
• Tingling in your hands and feet
• Weakness and fatigue

Should I Be Concerned About High Vitamin B12 Levels?

Experts agree that proper amounts of vitamin B12 are generally safe to take [9]. Even amounts exceeding the recommended daily amount of 2.4 micrograms usually aren’t toxic—as mentioned, what your body doesn’t absorb is normally passed as urine [9]. In fact, in many cases, the signs and symptoms associated with high vitamin B12 levels may appear in those actively being treated for a vitamin B 12 deficiency [9].

All of this is to say that assessing your vitamin B12 levels through serum testing may give you peace of mind if you're concerned. If you discover they're elevated, you and your healthcare provider can investigate what's causing high B12 concentrations in your body and devise an appropriate treatment plan.

Who Needs Extra Vitamin B12?

We obtain the majority of vitamin B12 we need on a daily basis from foods like [2, 9]:

• Fortified cereals
• Dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Nutritional yeast

However, you may need to seek out other B12-rich food sources or supplements if you:

• Are vegan or vegetarian – With the exception of fortified cereals, vitamin B12 is found only in animal food sources [9]. Vegans and vegetarians may need an extra boost of vitamin B12 from supplements, or consume more foods that have been fortified with this key nutrient [2]. Additionally, infants who are breastfed by vegan mothers may have lower-than-recommended vitamin B12 levels [2].
• Are an older adult – It’s estimated that up to 43% of adults are deficient in vitamin B12. This is especially true for those who suffer from atrophic gastritis, which typically affects individuals 65 and older [2].
• Have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia – Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition that’s caused by an inability to absorb vitamin B12 [12]. Seen primarily in people between the ages of 60 and 80, it can interfere with your body’s ability to manufacture red blood cells and may cause permanent nerve damage if untreated.
• Have a gastrointestinal disorder – People with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn's or celiac disease may not be able to absorb sufficient vitamin B12 [2]. Similarly, those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery (including weight loss surgeries) are more vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency [2]. Typically, healthcare providers treat these conditions with vitamin B12 supplements or cobalamin injections.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Low Vitamin B12 Level?

When your nutritional needs aren’t met, you may not feel your best and brightest, to say nothing of more critical health conditions.

A vitamin B12 deficiency may result in [9]:

• Mood swings and disturbances
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Nerve damage
• Anemia
• Intestinal problems
• Cognitive complications, including dementia

On the one hand, dangerously low vitamin B12 can pose its own health risks. On the other, studies pointing to a possible association between cancer and extremely high B12 levels may give you pause [2].

In the end, what we know falls in line with a basic, "common sense" principle of healthcare: when kept within normal ranges, vitamin B12 is a crucially important nutrient in supporting health and well-being. Consider scheduling a blood test if you suspect your vitamin B12 level is either too high or too low, and talk with your healthcare provider about maintaining a balanced vitamin B12 concentration in your body for overall health and well-being.

Support Your Health With B12 Supplements From Everlywell

With Everlywell's vitamin B12 supplements, it's easy to get this key nutrient (as well as various other vitamins and supplements). Learn more about Everlywell's vitamin B options today.

Related content

How much vitamin B12 should I take daily?

11 possible signs of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B6 toxicity: what it is and what causes it

References

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2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements - vitamin B12. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from URL
3. Köbe T;Witte AV;Schnelle A;Grittner U;Tesky VA;Pantel J;Schuchardt JP;Hahn A;Bohlken J;Rujescu D;Flöel A; (n.d.). Vitamin B-12 concentration, memory performance, and hippocampal structure in patients with mild cognitive impairment. The American journal of clinical nutrition. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
4. Long-Term, Supplemental, One-Carbon Metabolism–Related Vitamin B Use in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort. Journal of Clinical Oncology. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022.
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7. ScienceDaily. (2013, November 18). Higher than normal levels of vitamin B12 may indicate cancer risk. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 8, 2022. URL
8. Hartman TJ;Woodson K;Stolzenberg-Solomon R;Virtamo J;Selhub J;Barrett MJ;Albanes D; (n.d.). Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B(6)), B(12), and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. American journal of epidemiology. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
9. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, July 17). Vitamin B-12. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 8, 2022. URL
10. J;, E. A. A. V. L. T. L. (n.d.). Significance of elevated cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels in blood. Clinical biochemistry. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
11. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 27). Hypereosinophilic syndrome. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 8, 2022. URL
12. Pernicious anemia: Definition, symptoms, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022. URL