Effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on risk and outcome of ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent form of stroke and has a high incidence in older adults, characterized by high morbidity, mortality, disability, and recurrence rate. Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in the elderly and has been reported to be associated with ischemic stroke. The mechanisms maybe include the disorder of methylation metabolism, accumulation of toxic metabolites, immune dysfunction, affecting gut microbial composition and gut-brain immune homeostasis, and toxic stress responses to the brain. Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to cerebral artery atherosclerosis, change myelination, influence the metabolism and transmission between nerve tissue, and ultimately causes the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. This paper reviews the correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and ischemic stroke, looking forward to improving clinicians' understanding and providing new therapeutic directions for ischemic stroke.