???? Are You Getting Enough B12? Discover How This Essential Vitamin Can Boost Your Health at Every Age! From Infancy to Seniors, Learn the Benefits of Supplementation—And Why Even Meat-Eaters Might Need It! ??
???? Are you getting enough B12? From infancy to old age, ensuring proper intake is crucial for vibrant health. Learn why supplementation is key, whether you're plant-based or a meat-eater. Don't miss out on the benefits of this essential nutrient! ??
Today, I want to talk about the importance of vitamin B12, a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in our health, particularly at both ends of the age spectrum – in infancy and old age.
Starting at age 50, it's essential for everyone, regardless of their dietary habits, to supplement their diet with B12-fortified foods or supplements. As we age, the recommended dosage increases, with individuals over 65 needing a high daily dose of 1,000 micrograms to ensure adequate levels. Cyanocobalamin in chewable, sublingual, or liquid forms (rather than in a multivitamin) is best under most circumstances. 2000 a week otherwise so we can make sure we absorb the one microgram into our body to replace the one microgram we’re losing every day.
For pregnant women, B12 supplementation is equally crucial, as deficiency during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences such as brain shrinkage in infants. Even non-vegetarian populations commonly experience B12 insufficiency during pregnancy.
While plant-based diets offer numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of obesity and heart disease, proper B12 supplementation is essential. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, should follow specific dosage recommendations to ensure optimal health outcomes.
But it's not just vegetarians who should be concerned. Many non-vegetarians also fail to meet their B12 needs, especially pregnant women. Additionally, individuals who've undergone bariatric surgery or are over 50 should also prioritize B12 supplementation.
Testing for B12 deficiency can be unreliable, as rare cases may not exhibit typical Biomarkers. Better to get your homocysteine or methylmalonic acid (MMA) level tested.
Therefore, it's best to err on the side of caution and supplement accordingly. The recommended dosage varies depending on factors like age and absorption capacity, but recent studies suggest lower doses may suffice.
In conclusion, ensuring adequate B12 intake is crucial for everyone's health, regardless of dietary preferences. By following recommended supplementation guidelines, we can mitigate the risk of deficiency and its associated health complications. Thank you for listening.
#VitaminB12 #Nutrition #Health #Supplementation #PlantBasedDiet #Pregnancy #HealthyAging #BariatricSurgery #DietaryGuidelines #HealthRecommendations