The Importance of Vitamin B12

I am often asked whether I believe in vitamins and supplements. Many people are confused about which vitamins and supplements they should take.

Quite often the general public is led by marketing through commercials and print ads. If we believe all the advertising, there would seem to be a vitamin or supplement to cure, or at least help with, every ailment. Unfortunately, that is not true. If that were the case, we Boomers would be taking almost every type of vitamin and supplement out there. How many of us suffer with knee pain, low back pain, headaches, hip pain, stomach issues, heart problems, and so on?

There is a significant lack of direction when it comes to deciding what we should be taking. It can be very upsetting to try to figure it out on our own. There are certified nutritionists who can help guide one through these murky waters by suggesting a vitamin or supplement for your body and your needs. But try to avoid the heavy sales tactics at your local nutrition/holistic store; I have had many patients who have walked out of the store with $200-300 worth of goods that provide very little benefit.

As the economy appears to be worsening, it is my humble opinion that the best bang for the buck with respect to vitamins is a B complex. B complex vitamins are usually labeled B-50 or B-100 for 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams of the B vitamins. Each B vitamin plays an important role in the function of the body.

One of the most important B vitamins is B12. The Mayo clinic states Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods such as fish, shellfish, meat, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in a vitamin B complex formulation. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.

A recent study in Neurology (Vogiatzoglou A, et al. Neurology. September 9, 2008; Vol. 71, Iss. 11, pp. 826-832) concluded that low vitamin B12 status should be further investigated as a modifiable cause of brain atrophy and of likely subsequent cognitive impairment in the elderly. In other words, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the mental ability of the elderly.

So if you have to choose just one vitamin group, I highly recommend the B vitamins. And, if you are not losing your shirt in this economy, the best advice about vitamins and supplements I can give is that you should consider being evaluated by a certified nutritionist to determine your needs.

Dr. Michael Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results
http://www.drmichaelkaye.com/