| A recent nutritional research study published in | | | | drugs. Proton pump inhibitors such as 'Prilosec' and |
| 'Neurology' 2008; 71: 826-832, suggests that having | | | | 'Prevacid', which are used to treat gerd or peptic |
| lower end levels of vitamin B-12, often considered to | | | | ulcers, have been implicated in having low levels of |
| be within an acceptable range, could be damaging to | | | | this vitamin, as well as H2 receptor antagonists like |
| normal brain size. Another study conducted at Tufts | | | | 'Tagamet', 'Pepsid', and 'Zantac'. Both these drugs |
| University in Boston in 2000 estimated that about 40 | | | | lower hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is |
| percent of the U.S. Population has a vitamin B-12 | | | | needed to absorb B-12, plus, an untreated stomach |
| deficiency. | | | | problem lowers a protein called intrinsic factor which |
| Vitamin B-12 deficiencies should be considered a public | | | | is also need for B-12 absorption. If the stomach is |
| health concern, along with many other vital nutrient | | | | inflamed or irritated it may not be producing this |
| shortages. This applies to all ages, not just the aging | | | | substance, making it nearly impossible for your body |
| sector of the population. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies | | | | to absorb B-12. |
| have been associated with brain atrophy (wasting) | | | | If you are wondering whether you might not be |
| and has possible connections to developing brain | | | | getting enough of this vitamin, and may be |
| diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and | | | | considering supplementing, it is important to know |
| depression. | | | | that a lot vitamin B-12 supplements are not much |
| The University of Oxford in England study involved | | | | help, worth your time or money, and can be out right |
| one hundred and seven participants aged 61 to 87, | | | | dangerous. Ideally, the best way to get this |
| who were considered to be cognitively normal and | | | | important nutrient is in the food you eat. |
| healthy at the beginning of the 5 year test study | | | | This vitamin is notoriously hard to absorb and |
| period. The interesting conclusion, noted by the lead | | | | assimilate from a supplement. Studies have shown, |
| researcher, suggested that keeping your vitamin B-12 | | | | and it is widely recognized, that the best way to get |
| levels well above the lower level cut-off enhances | | | | B-12 is under the tongue (sublingual form). They are |
| brain performance. | | | | usually better absorbed into the bloodstream than |
| In terms of brain shrinkage, there was a noticeable | | | | tablets or inhaled versions. |
| difference in cognitive functioning between the study | | | | According to Mike Adams of 'Natural News', in an |
| participants who had higher levels of vitamin B-12, | | | | interview with Greg Kunin titled "Bioidentical Vitamins |
| than those who had lower levels within the normal | | | | and the Secret of Methylation", high quality vitamin |
| range. | | | | B-12 supplements are rather expensive to produce |
| Other risk factors for developing brain atrophy | | | | because of the fermentation process. The cost can |
| include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high | | | | be as much as $6,000. more per kilo than low quality |
| cholesterol. Besides age being a risk factor in | | | | B-12. |
| developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency, other possible | | | | Read labels carefully, as most B-12 supplements |
| risks include strict vegetarians, pregnant and lactating | | | | available on the shelf are the cyanocobalamin form. It |
| women, infants, stomach problems, and gastric | | | | is not only cheaper in price, but also quite toxic. Many |
| disorders. | | | | supplement makers choose to use this form because |
| Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in animal foods. The | | | | it is cheaper to produce. This form will interfere with |
| highest concentration of which, is found in mollusks | | | | the body's methylation pathway. |
| such as clams, scallops, oysters, and in organ meats | | | | The higher quality form of B-12 is known as |
| such as beef liver. To a lesser degree, vitamin B-12 | | | | hydroxycobalamin or methylcobalamin. These two |
| can be obtained in fortified breakfast cereals | | | | forms are more readily absorbed, utilized, and safe. |
| (synthetic versions), fish, poultry, eggs, beef (sirloin | | | | The cost is going to be at least double in what the |
| tips), and minimal amounts are found in dairy | | | | cheaper version sells for, so that in itself should be a |
| products. | | | | dead give away. |
| A realistic concern for vegetarians might be in getting | | | | But, if you think you may have a hard time |
| to know where their vitamin B-12 levels are. A simple | | | | remembering which form to look for on the label, |
| periodic blood test can confirm whether raising to the | | | | just remember 'cyano' as in cyanide poisoning, and |
| upper level range, or slightly above, might improve | | | | methyl or hydroxy as healthy for you. |
| energy levels and cognitive functioning. | | | | Confirmation of nutritional therapy's positive effects |
| Why is getting enough vitamin B-12 so important? | | | | has been painfully slow in coming to the forefront. |
| The top ten reasons according to Dr. Joseph Mercola | | | | Politically correct statements such as "medications |
| are: | | | | have been shown to disrupt vitamin B-12 absorption, |
| Is needed for the proper digestion, absorption, and | | | | but no clear evidence suggests that prescription |
| metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. | | | | medications may actually cause a deficiency when |
| Helps folic acid (vitamin B-9) regulate red blood cells, | | | | used long-term", seem to be included in a lot of, |
| and aides the body in using iron. | | | | so-called, unbiased research protocols. These type of |
| Optimizes nerve health functioning and | | | | statements are not only confusing to most |
| communication. | | | | everyone, they have a tendency, by design, to |
| Helps healthy cell formation and longevity. | | | | contradict. |
| Helps support female reproductive health. | | | | If you are in doubt of the treatments that you are |
| Promotes healthy nerve growth and development. | | | | considering using to heal yourself, the bottom line |
| Protects the important fatty sheaths surrounding our | | | | may just well be what incentives are behind the |
| nerve endings. | | | | proposed solution. Who is really benefiting in the |
| Is critical to circulation and the production of adrenal | | | | long-run, you or them? |
| hormones. | | | | There is nothing wrong with a quality supplement |
| Boosts immunity. | | | | manufacturer making a nice profit off a quality |
| Supports a healthy feeling of overall well-being, by | | | | supplement that is as beneficial to its customers as it |
| improving moods, memory, mental clarity, and | | | | is to them, or any affiliate marketers. Your job is to, |
| concentration. | | | | thoroughly, do your homework, in investigating |
| Boosts energy levels. | | | | whether a company's sponsored clinical research |
| Other risk factors for low vitamin B-12 levels are | | | | studies actually back up the results the company |
| gastric bypass surgery patients, coffee drinkers (4 or | | | | promotes in its marketing strategy. |
| more cups a day), and the use of certain prescription | | | | |