On August 18, 2025, a groundbreaking study by researchers at the BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII) in New Delhi was published in Nature Communications. The study revealed that vitamin B12 enhances longevity through its influence on serotonin signaling, which occurs via brain-gut interactions. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the team, led by Gyaneshwer Chaubey, demonstrated how vitamin B12 promotes healthier aging.
The research found that vitamin B12 supplementation increases serotonin production in the gut. This boost in serotonin enhances communication along the gut-brain axis, improving metabolic balance and stress resilience—both of which are critical for extending lifespan. Specifically, in C. elegans, vitamin B12 activated pathways that improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress. The study also identified certain gut bacteria, such as Comamonas species, that metabolize B12 and amplify its effects on serotonin pathways.
This discovery highlights the vital role of the gut microbiome in modulating brain function and aging. By linking vitamin B12 to serotonin-mediated longevity, the findings suggest that dietary or microbial interventions could be developed to improve human health, particularly for age-related disorders.
Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), this research reinforces India’s growing contributions to global biotechnology. The findings have generated interest in creating targeted therapies like B12-enriched probiotics to support healthy aging.
