Vitamin B12 - Benefits to Aging Baby Boomers

The vitamin, sometimes called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt, is used by the body to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. DNA, our genetic makeup, is also aided by this vitamin.

As pertaining to the nervous system, vitamin B12 is essential to fatty acid metabolism. The nerves are protected by a sheath that is maintained by the fatty acid and when improper synthesis occurs there is resulting damage and neuropathy.

Because of its involvement with the red blood cells, the vitamin is important concerning the production of hemoglobin. It is also important in homocysteine metabolism.

Anemia results when the red blood cells have a deficiency of hemoglobin. One form of anemia is caused by the lack of vitamin B12. The deficiency of the vitamin in some cases was caused by the gastric cells not secreting a glycoprotein called intrinsic factor that aids in the absorption of the vitamin.

The malabsorption of the vitamin because of the lack of gastric juices may contribute to increased levels of the amino acid, homocysteine. Consequently then, increased levels of homocysteine has been linked to heart disease and stroke.

Adequate absorption is accomplished when taken in the form of a dietary supplement.

Other areas of interest include the fact that people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with Alzheimer's disease and bouts of depression. There have been studies that also suggest that colon and breast cancer may be associated with people having suboptimal levels of the B-complex vitamins.

Specific to the Babyboomers

The nervous system is supported by it's neurotransmitters being used by vitamin B12 dependent enzymes.

Red blood cell metabolism is aided which includes the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying agent in the red blood cells.

Amino acids metabolism. Homocysteine for instance, an amino acid, is kept in check by the B complex vitamins. It may be linked to dementia, heart disease and stroke.

Older adults that have gastrointestinal problems may also have malabsorption difficulties with the vitamin, therefore should be taken as a supplement.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults older than 50 years get most of their vitamin B12 in the form of a supplement.

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