Still here!! (also B12)

I took a brief hiatus from this blog as we dealt with a number of other issues over the last month or so. But I'm still here and still doing the weekly radio talk concerning health issues, and I will get back to more regular articles here as well. One of the things we've discussed recently is vitamin B12. I'd like to take a few minutes here to share some of that information with you, because I think it might be a very important matter.

As we age, our ability to absorb B12 from our diet diminishes, but sometime around age 50 there is a significant drop. Now, I haven't found any research yet that absolutely ties these two things together in a cause-and-effect relationship, but those with elevated homocystein levels are almost certain to have very low levels of B12 in their system. Homocystein is a very important marker for cardio problems. Some researchers are indicating that keeping your B12 levels up might help lower homocystein levels, and at least it won't hurt. Now, here's the part I want most to impress upon you. All of the B vitamins, and there are many, are water soluble and must be replaced daily EXCEPT B12. You can store a store year supply of B12 in your liver! So it won't matter if you miss a dose or two. But what you want to keep in mind that taking B12 in combination with other vitamins is a waste of time and money, because they will further inhibit your absorption of B12. So take B12 either 1/2 hour before, or 1 1/2 hours after taking any other vitamins, and take it with food. Forget about the B12 on your multivitamin label. Also, you won't likely get enough B12 from your diet alone, especially after age 50. B12 is important in the formation of DNA as your cells divide.

Reminder: I am not a medical doctor and I do not give medical advice. I'm just passing along some of the interesting things I've read that might be of benefit to you. Check with your health care provider for medical advice.

SENIOR MOMENTS? - Eat more fish!

Recent studies in Norway indicate that those who eat more fish, up to 80 grams per day, have significantly improved cognitive function than those who do not. Can't find your keys...again? Have some fish. Doesn't seem to matter if you eat lean or fatty fish, fresh, smoked, canned. All seem to have the same beneficial effect on brain function. However, merely taking fish oil in supplement gel caps does NOT seem to have any positive effect. The positives associated with fish oil are not to be ignored however, because they do have a very important role to play in cardiac health. As always though, it is better to get as much of the necessary nutrients as possible in your diet rather than as supplements. Supplements most often should be used to fill any gaps in your dietary supply of nutrients.Having read many of the reports over the last few years concerning such problems as mercury poisoning and the accumulation of pesticides and fertilizers in fish, caution is still advised. Where possible, eat only wild caught fish. Even then, you may want to limit your fish intake to two or three meals a week. When in doubt, moderation in all things is still a reasonable guideline.