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Hrvatski časopis zdravstvenih znanosti, Vol. 6 No. 1, 2026.

Review article

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.48188/hczz.6.1.6

VITAMIN B12 AND COLORECTAL CANCER: FRIEND OR FOE? A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF AVAILABLE EVIDENCE

Mateja Ibrišimbegović orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-6021-8587 ; Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia
Tea Vrcelj ; Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia
Ines Banjari orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-8680-5007 ; Faculty of Food Technology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia *
Sead Karakaš ; University Vitez, Faculty of Health Studies, Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ermina Kukić-Čaušević ; University Vitez, Faculty of Health Studies, Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dragan Novosel ; Polyclinic Osijek, Croatia; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; European University Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Purpose: To review the potential relationship between vitamin B12 and colorectal cancer, with particular emphasis on its involvement in one-carbon metabolism and epigenetic regulation. Methods: This narrative review summarises current evidence on the biological mechanisms and epidemiological associations linking vitamin B12 status with colorectal cancer risk. Results: Available evidence indicates a biologically plausible but epidemiologically inconsistent relationship between vitamin B12 and colorectal cancer. Studies assessing dietary intake frequently report an inverse association, particularly for rectal cancer, whereas analyses of circulating vitamin B12 concentrations yield heterogeneous, and often conflicting findings. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 does not act as an isolated protective factor but as part of a complex metabolic and nutritional system. Although its potential protective role in colorectal carcinogenesis is biologically based, it remains insufficiently confirmed, emphasising the need for further integrated research.

Keywords

CARCINOGENESIS; COLORECTAL CANCER; EPIGENETICS; NUTRITION; ONE-CARBON METABOLISM; VITAMIN B12

Hrčak ID:

349467

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/349467

Publication date:

12.7.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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