B12 is not discussed specifically in the talk but is a vital part of a reaction that feeds into the Krebs Cycle (see diagrams below) To me this further illustrates how a B12 deficiency disrupts the most central processes of life itself.
Krebs Cycle (also known as the Citric Acid Cycle) Diagram:
Memorization is not my thing, so chemistry is perpetually new to me. I do have a question. If I am understanding correctly, the main problem resulting from B12 deficiency is that newly created cells are unlikely to have accurate copies of DNA. If that is incorrect, I invite correction. Also, if I understand correctly, new cancer cells have DNA or some genetic materials. So, (perhaps rhetorical question - did a bit of searching and nothing came close to the topic, perhaps because of complexity) can cancer cells proliferate in cases of B12 deficiency?
I think its likely they could be but I think it might be difficult to make it a binary equation. I read that lower B12 levels can lead to colorectal cancer and that might confirm a hypothesis that the gastrointestinal tract needs enough B12 going through it to operate correctly.
B12 is also a detoxifier, so if there's a gut imbalance then colon cancer can also start that way. In that case the cause is gut dysbiosis but the cause of the cause (dysbiosis) could well be insufficient B12.
Stress is also a major factor for cancer. And it could be that stress depletes the essential nutrients leading to increased cancer risk..
PA is a known risk factor for stomach cancer.
My hunch would say a cancer risk would increase following B12 deficiency but I think its hard to attribute a cancer to it solely since other factors like speed and quality of treatment, duration of deficiency, types of symptoms are probably all factors too that could be variable.
WiscGuy, rather than write something off the cuff I wanted to give a more comprehensive and well researched reply but rushing about these days so it might take me a few days to put something together, apologies. I do think theres something to what you say indeed.
I appreciate your interest in my question. I have read that B12 deficiency weakens the immune system, so that would presumably make it easier for cancer cells to proliferate. But if new cancer cells had inaccurate copies of genetic materials, presumably the weaker immune response would be less of an issue.
If you look at an even more detailed Kreb's Cycle, with all the biochemistry that contributes to it, you then realise how every part of nutrition is so important.
All vitamins and minerals are required to support and provide the building blocks for the Kreb's Cycle to happen.
Plus they are used for the structure of new cells that are created.
Nutrition, at a micronutrient level, is so important and it is scandalous that it is so ignored by health professionals, and government too.
Natural foods - meat, fish, dairy, fruit and veg - present these vitamins and minerals in specialist combinations with "magic" compounds that can enhance digestion, uptake and metabolism. That's why it's usually good to take any supplements we need in addition to our diet, due to "broken pathways", with food.
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Deadline 5pm 22nd August 2023 - Comments on NICE's new B12 deficiency guidelines (UK document)
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