Low levels of B12 may affect global cognitive scores in older adults.

Insufficient vitamin B12 is common in the older population due to decreased absorbtion, medications, or dietary changes such as limiting dairy and egg consumption. Chicago researchers followed a group of older adults for five years and found that low B12 levels may contribute to cognitive problems in multiple ways. This observational study did not say whether increasing B12 would prevent or reverse cognitive effects.

PositiveTip: For optimal health and brain function we all need adequate vitamin B12, either from dietary sources or from a supplement.

How do vegetarians get enough B12?

Vitamin B12 is an extremely important nutrient for good health. Getting too little B12 poses serious concerns, and can result in anemia and damage to the nervous system. There are no plant foods which naturally contain this nutrient. Vitamin B12 in Vegetarian Diets is a pamphlet prepared by the Vegetarian Nutrition practice group of the American Dietetic Association, and provides a very clear, easy to understand discussion of how vegetarians and pure vegetarians (vegans) can get sufficient B12.

PositiveTip: Pure vegetarians should be consuming a B12 supplement or eating foods fortified with B12. 

B-12 monitoring is important for diabetics taking Metformin.

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed oral medication for those with type 2 diabetes. 

A new Dutch study has again linked this medication with significantly lower vitamin B-12 serum levels. These researchers also found the blood homocysteine levels were also significantly higher, causing an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, neuropathy, and cognitive changes. 

PositiveTip: If you are a diabetic taking Metformin, ask your physician to monitor your vitamin B-12 levels on a regular basis.

Metformin seems to lower vitamin B12 levels in diabetics.

A Canadian prospective case-control study has found that Vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in type-2 diabetics taking metformin than those not taking it (231 vs. 486 pmol/L). Those on metformin also had significantly higher levels of two markers of B12 deficiency (homocysteine and methylmalonic acid) along with increased severity of neuropathy. This B12 deficiency may exacerbate the symptoms of neuropathy in diabetics. It is unknown yet if metformin interferes with B12 deficiency or if or supplements would be beneficial.