INCOBLAST: INdividualized COBalamin Analysis and Supplementation via Toothpaste

AI Quick Summary

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is found exclusively in animal products. Its absorption into the body is more complex than that of other vitamins. In addition, there are various forms of the vitamin with different physiological properties. Although there is no systematic assessment, it must be assumed that the supply of B12 is becoming increasingly critical in large parts of the population. The groups at risk primarily include people with a low intake of animal products, especially if they are older or have to take medication for chronic illnesses. The more our society moves towards a plant-based diet and the more it ages, the more urgent the problem of B12 deficiency becomes. A B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia and neurological problems, as well as increasing the risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease. The symptoms are unspecific and a deficiency is therefore often not recognised. The supplementation with tablets that is common today brings with it various problems: it is unclear whether it is adequate, i.e. whether taking it actually improves a person's B12 status. An overdose with the associated consequences cannot be ruled out either. The elderly in particular tend to forget to take it regularly, which jeopardises the supply. INCOBLAST solves this problem via daily tooth brushing with a combination of B12 monitoring and a corresponding, personalized toothpaste containing B12. Integrated into a daily ritual that takes place anyway, a continuous supply can be guaranteed. As B12 is also absorbed via the oral mucosa, there is an alternative parenteral absorption of the vitamin into the body, which is particularly important for elderly people with impaired gastrointestinal function. Absorption into the body is monitored via independent dry blood spot measurements or via saliva-measurement. This oral-systemic closed-loop system prevents an inadequate supply of B12 as well as an oversupply of B12 without additional effort for those affected and empowers individuals to ensure their B12 status autonomously.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: INCOBLAST: INdividualized COBalamin Analysis and Supplementation via Toothpaste
• Date: 4/2/2025 1:55:39 PM
• Administrators:

Project Idea Description

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is found exclusively in animal products. Its absorption into the body is more complex than that of other vitamins. In addition, there are various forms of the vitamin with different physiological properties. Although there is no systematic assessment, it must be assumed that the supply of B12 is becoming increasingly critical in large parts of the population. The groups at risk primarily include people with a low intake of animal products, especially if they are older or have to take medication for chronic illnesses. The more our society moves towards a plant-based diet and the more it ages, the more urgent the problem of B12 deficiency becomes. A B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia and neurological problems, as well as increasing the risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease. The symptoms are unspecific and a deficiency is therefore often not recognised. The supplementation with tablets that is common today brings with it various problems: it is unclear whether it is adequate, i.e. whether taking it actually improves a person's B12 status. An overdose with the associated consequences cannot be ruled out either. The elderly in particular tend to forget to take it regularly, which jeopardises the supply.

INCOBLAST solves this problem via daily tooth brushing with a combination of B12 monitoring and a corresponding, personalized toothpaste containing B12. Integrated into a daily ritual that takes place anyway, a continuous supply can be guaranteed. As B12 is also absorbed via the oral mucosa, there is an alternative parenteral absorption of the vitamin into the body, which is particularly important for elderly people with impaired gastrointestinal function. Absorption into the body is monitored via independent dry blood spot measurements or via saliva-measurement. This oral-systemic closed-loop system prevents an inadequate supply of B12 as well as an oversupply of B12 without additional effort for those affected and empowers individuals to ensure their B12 status autonomously.