If you or someone you know has been on acid blockers or is experiencing depression, irritability, memory, or concentration issues, consider B12.
Did you know that one of the side effects of acid blocking medications is a B12 deficiency? Our bodies need Hydrochloric acid to absorb B12. So, if we reduce hydrochloric acid with medication our ability to absorb B12 goes down.
Why You May Be Low in B12 Without Knowing It
You see as we age, the amount of hydrochloric acid our body makes declines because it takes so much cellular energy to make hydrochloric acid. And one of the things that goes hand in hand with hydrochloric acid deficiencies are low mineral levels and B12 deficiencies.
Let me say that another way. We need hydrochloric acid to absorb B12 from our food. B12 deficiencies should be a big consideration for everyone approaching their golden years. Because if you are low in B12 your years will not be golden.
This should serve as a reminder for anyone battling trauma, infections or any chronic disease, there is a good chance that there is a digestive component as part of the clinical picture. And as I mentioned a moment ago, if you have been on acid blocking medication for a prolonged period, chances are fairly good that you’re low in B12.
Neurological Symptoms Caused by Low B12 Levels
B12 works with folic acid in the synthesis of the building blocks for DNA and RNA. B12 is essential for the integrity of the nervous system as well as energy production. To mention all the conditions that a B12 deficiency is associated with would take quite a while, so I will focus on some of the neurological effects of B12 deficiencies.
B12 deficiency affects the peripheral nerves and in later stages the spinal cord. Patients may experience You May Be Low In B12 IT’S TIME TO FEEL GOOD.
AGAIN THE “If you or someone you know has been on acid blockers or experiencing depression, irritability, memory or concentration issues, consider B12.” tingling and numbness in the extremities, loss of vibratory and position sensation, abnormalities of gait, age related hearing loss, muscle spasticity, irritability, depression, loss of concentration, memory loss and dementia.
Do you have any of these symptoms? Plant sources of B12 do not have the same biological activity for humans and as a result most vegetarians are also low in B12 and should supplement. Ask your physician to do a blood test called a CBC with differential to determine if you have B12 deficiency. If the mean corpuscular volume or MCV is above 89.9, that is a clue you may be low in B12.
The other indicator I look for is the mean corpuscular hemoglobin abbreviated MCH. If the value is above 31.9, it also indicates a B12 / folate need. If either one of these indicators is high, suspect a deficiency; but if they are BOTH high, you can be confident of a B12 or folic acid deficiency. If you take a multiple with B12 in it and have a serum B12 test done, it will show a false positive.
The Best B12 Supplements and How to Take Them
One of my own favorite products is “from Standard Process” B12 and another one is cherry flavored lozenge from “BIOTICS” called B12-2000 lozenge. Each B12- 2000 lozenge contains 2000 mcg of B12, 800 mcg of folate (the natural form of folic acid) and 2 mg of B6 (in the p-5-p form).
For many people, especially seniors, B12 is not absorbed very well via the stomach and hydrochloric acid should be supplemented with a form that will yield good oral absorption.
Research shows that for most people, oral supplementation can be effective, especially if you are already supplementing with hydrochloric acid. There are some people that may need B12 injections, so following up with laboratory testing is important. There are many forms of B12 lozenges on the market. Avoid the methylated forms for oral supplementation. Methylated forms will chelate heavy metals that may be used in your dental fillings and release them throughout the body.
If you or someone you know has been on acid blockers or experiencing depression, irritability, memory, or concentration issues, consider B12. Better yet, talk with your clinician, ask them to do a CBC and look for these markers. I love the saying “in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” Enhancing the quality of life is what we all want, and we can do something about. Your wellness professional is a great resource!