All About Vitamin B12

I paid special attention to today's episode on Dr. Oz.. Along with two other specialists, Dr. Oz talked about potential problems with Vitamin B12 deficiencies.

A few years ago, I learned that I was on the bottom end of the acceptable range and took a supplement for three months. My levels are now closer to the higher end and I am determined to keep them up there.

A few interesting facts from the show...

• Almost 47 million Americans are deficient in this super vitamin. I suspect the Canadian percentages are similar.
• In Japan, the average Vitamin B12 levels are higher.
• Left unchecked, Vitamin B12 deficiencies can lead to irreversible nerve damage and dementia.
• Up to 30 percent of people over the age of 50 do not secrete enough stomach acid to absorb adequate amounts of B12.
• There is no upper limit of safety with this vitamin. We do not have to worry about having too much in our system.

Kate Geagan, the nutritionist on the show, recommended 1000 mcg of B12 a day if you are deficient. She recommended sublingual B12 which can be obtained without a prescription. Dr. Oz suggested that older adults or anyone with stomach acid problems may wish to consider B12 shots. These offer a quick boost of energy and bypass any problems with stomach absorption.

I was interested in the three recipes Kate presented on the show: B12 Boosting Parfait, Bason Slides and Clam Pasta. She strongly believes that bison is the "meat to eat" and recommends that we buy 100% grass fed bison or 99% extra lean grass-fed beef. In addition to clams, she also recommended sardines, trout and salmon.

Check out the Recipes section on the Dr. Oz website.