Archive · 20 May 2025
Vitamin B12 and Fatty Liver Disease: Is There a Connection?
Fatty liver disease is a common problem where fat builds up in the liver.
A recent study found that low levels of vitamin B12 might make this worse, especially in a severe form called NASH.
NASH is linked to high levels of a substance called homocysteine.
The good news is that taking vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements could help.
These supplements might fix the problems caused by high homocysteine and slow down or even reverse the damage to the liver.
This could be a simple, affordable way to help people with fatty liver disease and could possibly reduce the need for liver transplants.
Fatty liver disease affects millions globally, with NAFLD being common.
A 2022 study suggests a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and fatty liver disease.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid may reverse the NASH process.
High homocysteine levels are associated with NASH progression.
Supplementation with vitamin B12 and folic acid could prevent or delay the progression of NASH.
- Who
- Researchers, led by Dr. Madhulika Tripathi, and patients with fatty liver disease.
- What
- The potential link between vitamin B12 deficiency and fatty liver disease, specifically NASH.
- When
- Ongoing, with a 2022 study providing new insights.
- Where
- Research conducted in Singapore, India, China, and the US.
- Why
- Research suggests that vitamin B12 and folic acid could help prevent or delay the progression of NASH, and could be used as an inexpensive therapy.
- Disease
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Key Finding
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid can restore syntaxin 17 function, slowing NASH progression.
- Main Risk Factor
- Elevated homocysteine levels
- Treatment Suggestion
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements.
- Study Publication
- 2022 study
- Impact
- May reduce the need for liver transplants