# B vitamins and choline prevent retinal degeneration in glaucoma models

- Published: 2026-11-07 13:28 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Medicine
- Tags: retinal ganglion cells, glaucoma animal models, one-carbon metabolism, Cell Reports Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, homocysteine
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-d36791d41e6acaffd57d2050_b_vitamins_and/

**Karolinska Institutet researchers demonstrated that metabolic cofactors protect retinal ganglion cells and preserve visual function in animal models of glaucoma.**

![B vitamins and choline prevent retinal degeneration in glaucoma models](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/0613c107b73d8767.jpg)
*Mark, Leonard Portal, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0*

Glaucoma, a condition characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), remains a primary cause of blindness lacking neuroprotective therapies. In a study published in *Cell Reports Medicine*, researchers from Karolinska Institutet investigated the role of homocysteine metabolism and dietary cofactors in retinal cell survival [1]. Elevating vitreous homocysteine in models increased RGC death by 6% following ocular hypertension, though analysis of UK Biobank cohorts revealed that genetic predisposition to elevated homocysteine had no effect on glaucoma-associated outcomes or visual field loss progression [1]. These findings led researchers to conclude that elevated homocysteine functions as a pathogenic marker rather than a direct causative driver of the pathology [1].

## Dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism

Further exploration in animal models revealed early and sustained dysregulation of genes governing one-carbon metabolism in the whole retina, optic nerve head, and isolated RGCs [1]. The disruption directly altered the interaction of vital precursors and cofactors, specifically vitamins B6, B9, B12, and choline. Because human population data showed no direct link between dietary B-vitamin intake and visual outcomes, the team focused on supplementing these metabolic components directly to stabilize the disrupted cellular pathways in vivo.

## Neuroprotection in acute and chronic models

Supplementing animals with a combination of vitamins B6, B9, B12, and choline delivered neuroprotection in an acute model of ocular hypertension [1]. In a chronic glaucoma model, the cofactors prevented neurodegeneration and preserved visual function over time [1]. The neuroprotective effect occurred independently of changes in intraocular pressure, presenting a distinct pathway to target cellular metabolism directly. Clinical testing at S:t Eriks Eye Hospital has commenced to determine human safety, therapeutic dosages, and clinical efficacy in patients.

## Sources

1. [Cell Reports Medicine](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102127)
2. [knowridge.com](https://knowridge.com/2026/11/a-vitamin-combination-shows-promise-for-protecting-vision-from-glaucoma)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-d36791d41e6acaffd57d2050_b_vitamins_and/