Researchers developed a new, affordable way to measure vitamin B12 levels using common lab bacteria called E. coli. This test can detect very tiny amounts of vitamin B12 and works much faster than current methods. The scientists tested it on bacteria found in tiny worms and showed it can spot important differences in how much vitamin B12 different bacteria make. This new testing method could help researchers better understand vitamin B12, which is crucial for human health but only made by certain bacteria.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How to create a simple, cheap test to measure vitamin B12 levels in lab samples using E. coli bacteria
  • Who participated: Laboratory study using E. coli bacteria and bacteria samples from tiny worms called C. elegans - no human participants
  • Key finding: The new test can detect extremely small amounts of vitamin B12 (picomolar levels) and successfully identified differences between bacteria that make different amounts of the vitamin
  • What it means for you: This doesn’t directly change vitamin B12 recommendations, but could lead to better research on B12 deficiency and new sources of the vitamin

The Research Details

This was a laboratory methods study where scientists developed and tested a new way to measure vitamin B12. They used a special strain of E. coli bacteria called B834 that cannot make its own methionine (an important building block for proteins) unless vitamin B12 is present. When these bacteria are given samples containing vitamin B12, they can grow and multiply. The researchers measured how much the bacteria grew using a machine that detects light, which tells them how much vitamin B12 was in the original sample.

Current methods for measuring vitamin B12 are often expensive, slow, or require specialized equipment. This new approach uses common lab materials and gives results faster, making it easier for researchers around the world to study vitamin B12.

This is a proof-of-concept study published in a peer-reviewed journal. The researchers tested their method on known samples and compared results, showing it works reliably. However, this is primarily a technical paper about lab methods rather than a study with direct health implications.

What the Results Show

The new E. coli-based test successfully detected vitamin B12 at very low concentrations (picomolar levels, which means trillionths of a gram per liter). The test worked by measuring how well the special E. coli bacteria could grow when given different samples - more growth meant more vitamin B12 was present. The researchers showed their method could distinguish between bacteria that produce different amounts of vitamin B12, proving it’s sensitive enough to detect meaningful differences.

When testing bacteria from the gut microbiome of tiny worms, the researchers found significant differences in vitamin B12 production between different bacterial strains. This suggests the new testing method could be useful for studying how gut bacteria contribute to vitamin B12 levels in animals and potentially humans.

Traditional vitamin B12 testing methods often require expensive equipment or take longer to complete. This new approach uses readily available lab materials and provides results more quickly, making it more accessible to researchers worldwide.

This study only tested the method in laboratory conditions with bacterial samples. The researchers didn’t test it on human blood or tissue samples, so we don’t know if it would work for clinical testing. The method also requires some laboratory expertise and equipment, so it’s not suitable for home testing.

The Bottom Line

This research doesn’t change current vitamin B12 recommendations for the general public. People should continue following established guidelines for B12 intake, especially those on plant-based diets or older adults who are at higher risk for deficiency.

This research is most relevant to scientists studying vitamin B12, researchers investigating gut bacteria, and those developing new sources of vitamin B12. It may eventually lead to better understanding of B12 deficiency but doesn’t immediately impact individual health decisions.

This is early-stage research focused on laboratory methods. Any practical applications for human health testing or treatment would likely take years of additional research and validation.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Continue tracking vitamin B12 intake from food sources and supplements, especially if following a plant-based diet
  • Focus on established B12 sources like fortified foods, nutritional yeast, or supplements rather than waiting for new research developments
  • Track symptoms that might indicate B12 deficiency (fatigue, weakness, memory issues) and discuss testing with healthcare providers if concerned

This research describes a laboratory testing method and does not provide medical advice. Consult healthcare professionals for vitamin B12 testing, deficiency concerns, or supplement recommendations. Do not change your diet or supplement routine based solely on this research.