Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be serious . As we age B12 becomes particularly important. Why? Because the older we are, the more difficult it becomes for us to absorb this vitamin.

 But it is not just age that can lead to deficiency. There are other things that can put us at risk for developing Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Who is at risk for B12 deficiency?

• Anyone over the age of 60
• Vegetarians and anyone whose diet is low meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs.
• Alcoholics
• Persons who have had abdominal or intestinal surgery
• Anyone with Crohn's disease
• Anyone with a intestinal malabsorption disorder.
• Those with fish tape worm
• Those who have pernicious anemia and those taking certain drugs. If you are taking a prescription drug, do ask your health care provider if it wii have any effect on your B12 levels and/or your B12 absorbtion. Don't be shy. B12 is really important to your health.

Nutrition: Best B12 foods 

Here are some of the best foods to use if you want to avoid a B12 deficiency.  Number 1 on the list is Meat. Yes, meat,especially organ meats. These are among the best sources of Vitamin B12. Fish, eggs and dairy products are also good.  The concentration of this vitamin in meat, fish, dairy and egg products is the main reason why vegans need to be vigilant lest they develop a deficiency of this vitamin.

But vegans are not the only ones subject to a deficiency. As we age, our ability to absorb B12 decreases. We may eat foods high in B12 but we may not absorb this vitamin.  That is we need to know the  signs of B12 deficiency and if we notice one of the symptoms, we need to bring it to the attention of our health care provider as soon as possible. Deficiencies in this vitamin need prompt attention.

Click here for a list of the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 supplements

For some of us, taking a B12 supplement can make all the difference as we age. Check with your health care provider. If s/he suggests that a supplement might be useful, know that you can purchase high quality supplements at Amazon or you can scroll down the page to Herbs, Supplements where you will find Life Extension who sells several different forms of B12) Click to buy B12 supplements here.

You can buy some B12 supplements on the Anti-Aging Products page.

Click here for other Anti-Aging supplements

More about B12 deficiency.

Add your thoughts

Readers like to know what other readers are thinking.  I am happy to publish your comments. Just be sure to say the name, B12 at the opening of your comments or I will not know which page you are commenting on and so can not publish your comments. 

For the latest research about aging and anti-aging, subscribe to my free monthly newsletter. Just click on Newsletter subscription

Home | Privacy | Financial Disclosure | Donate