As we age, many seniors may find themselves taking vitamin B12 without seeing the desired results. Dr. Michael Kent highlights that simply taking B12 is not sufficient for those over 60, especially if they experience symptoms like low energy, brain fog, or tingling in their extremities. Understanding how vitamin B12 works in the body is crucial for effective absorption and usage.
He explains that standard B12 tablets might not function effectively with age, and explores better-suited forms of the vitamin for both brain and nerve support. Key factors such as proper absorption, timing, and consistency are essential for achieving optimal results.
It’s noted that symptoms can persist even when blood tests show normal levels of B12, indicating that the vitamin may not be reaching its crucial destinations in the body, such as the nervous tissue.
For those seeking to enhance their energy levels, mental clarity, and overall nerve health, Dr. Kent provides actionable insights on how to utilize vitamin B12 effectively as our bodies change with age. This is more about the proper application rather than merely increasing supplement intake, making it possible for seniors to feel better overall.
For further reading, refer to these scientific references:
Baik HW, Russell RM. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. Annual Review of Nutrition. 1999;19:357-377.
Allen LH. How common is vitamin B12 deficiency? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;89(2):693S-696S.
Green R, Allen LH, Bjørke-Monsen AL, et al. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2017;3:17040.
Stabler SP. Vitamin B12 deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;368(2):149-160.
Sharabi A, Cohen E, Sulkes J, Garty M. Replacement therapy for vitamin B12 deficiency: comparison between the sublingual and oral route. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2003;56(6):635-638.
Andrès E, Loukili NH, Noel E, et al. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2004;171(3):251-259.
Reynolds E. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and the nervous system. Lancet Neurology. 2006;5(11):949-960.
Carmel R. How I treat cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency. Blood. 2008;112(6):2214-2221.
Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 1998.
Lam JR, Schneider JL, Zhao W, Corley DA. Proton pump inhibitor and histamine 2 receptor antagonist use and vitamin B12 deficiency. JAMA. 2013;310(22):2435-2442.
Understanding these nuances can help seniors make smarter and safer choices about their health.
By Dr. Michael Kent | Senior Health