Ailments and Situations - Aging - Vitamin B12 Deficiency

B₁₂ deficiency is quite common in people over 65 years of age and has been linked to senility and dementia. As the ability to absorb various nutrients decreases with age, vitamins and minerals must be obtained from other sources. It is essential that adequate levels of B₁₂ be maintained in the body.

B complex injections are usually administered for optimal absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner

B₁₂ is derived mainly from animal products, including cheese, fish, milk products, and organ meats.

Vegetarians can obtain B₁₂ from various sea vegetables, including dulse, kelp, kombu and nori. Spirulina/blue-green algae is an excellent source of B₁₂. This vitamin can also be found in brewer's yeast and enriched soy products, e.g., soy milk. B₁₂ is rare in most vegetables and is not found in fruit.