Vitamin B12 Malabsorption: The Pathophysiological Impacts on Neurological and Hair Physiology
January 2025
in “
The International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases
”
TLDR Vitamin B12 is crucial for hair and nerve health, and its malabsorption can cause hair loss and nerve damage.
This study emphasizes the critical role of vitamin B12 in supporting hair growth and neurological health, highlighting how malabsorption can lead to significant health issues. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine from foods like milk, eggs, and meat, but factors such as gastric mucosa atrophy, ileum disease, and smoking can hinder this process. Malabsorption may result in nerve fiber demyelination, changes in S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine ratios, and altered TNF and EGF levels, potentially causing optic neuropathy and hair loss. The study underscores the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to maintain adequate vitamin B12 levels, which are essential for various bodily functions.