Best Vitamin B12 Deficiency And Kidney Disease

Older adults often experience reduced levels of both stomach acid and an important glycoprotein called intrinsic factor produced by the cells lining the stomach and necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 from the small intestine. A common problem, vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 1.5% and 15% of the population, and according to results of the Framingham Offspring Study, may be higher in younger populations that previously assumed. The study also found that people using B12 supplements more than four times per week were less likely to be deficient. Insufficient B12 may lead to a condition where the body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to inadequate oxygen transport throughout the body. In the short term, this leads to weakness and fatigue: over the long-term it can damage the brain, heart and other organs. Vitamin B12 consists of several members of the cobalamin family. Hydroxycobalamin readily converts to coenzyme forms, particularly adenosylcobalamin – the major form found in the cell mitochondria for energy. Methylcobalamin is found mostly in blood plasma and other body fluids, and plays a role in lowering blood levels of homocysteine. B12 supplementation is particularly recommended for vegetarians and seniors.