The Genetics of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Some people have B12 deficiency because they don’t get enough B12 in their diet, but it’s not usually as simple as that – different people need different amounts and types of B12 because of our genes.
8 genes (so far) control how good we are at digesting and transporting Vitamin B12 to where it needs to be. Many more have been identified that affect how good we are at using B12, which can mean that we need much more B12, or that we need supplements of both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin and that cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin just don’t work for us. Everyone has the same genes (for example MTHFR), but different people might have different alleles or gene variants (the result of specific locus “mutations” – for example C677T or A1298C changes in MTHFR).
This means that one person’s ideal supplement is not the same as another’s – most people don’t need nutritional supplements in the form of vitamins and/or minerals, but for those that do the RDA (Recommended Daily Amount) is meaningless.
Hugo will give a quick canter through the main genes connected with Vitamin B12 deficiency and how they might affect our needs, and we welcome your experience as well.
The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87227680417?pwd=hzvUXC5dbuzfKzl7oixEKPfKQ9JjiV.1