B12 Deficiency Associated with Acid Supression Meds
Gastric acid is necessary for absorption of vitamin B12. Researchers studied those who took proton pump inhibitors or histamine 2 receptor antagonists to reduce stomach acid for more than two years. They found a 65% increased risk of B12 deficiency when compared to nonusers. The risk increased even more when taking higher doses. The good…
Read MoreLow Vitamin B12 Levels in Older Adults May Lead to Low Cognition
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…
Read MoreVitamin B12: We all Need Enough
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…
Read MoreDiabetics on Metformin Need to Monitor Vitamin B-12
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…
Read MorePopular Diabetic Medication Lowers Vitamin B12 Levels
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…
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