B12 and Homocysteine

[vgnwtch]

For those who believe that B12 is not an issue, and is simple scaremongering, move along!  Nothin' to see here :)

For those who believe it's worth checking up on the information, here's Stephen Walsh's explanation of the link between B12 levels, homocysteine, and health.

For those wondering about Walsh's background, he was the International

Comments

[neva_butterfly]

Thanks for the article.

What is really interesting to me is the theory that excess use of antibiotics have made us unable to properly absorb B12. In fact in the US the population with the highest rates of pernicious anemia (cause by lack of B12) are the elderly, not vegans in particular, just older people eating any diet at all. People may wish to get B12 levels checked and if they take B12 but still have low levels they might switch to a different type that is easier to absorb. If you are able to absorb it, even the cheap supplements work great, but people who have taken a lot of antibiotics over their lifetimes might wish to exercise some care.

[vgnwtch]

I know that over-50s tend to have more difficulty absorbing B12 through the gut, but I hadn't heard this theory before. Food for thought.

[davidmartiste]

Yay B12. When I went to the Vegetarian Summerfest in Pennsylvania last year, vegan doctors and nutritionists alike recommended B12 and a sublingual for the over 40 set. Still, I cut my pill in half because I think the dosages are typically high and I get daily B12 from spirulina and chlorella as well.

[davidmartiste]

Powder ...

I have a tsp with my juice/water/protein powder mix in the a.m. I also recently put in a tablespoon with a pumpkin bread recipe [from Joy of Vegan Baking] along with 2 tablespoons of chia seed. It was green but, still super delicious and nice to know people were enjoying something with a healthier kick. I realized, I could have probably put in a couple more tablespoons of chia as well.

[vgnwtch]

I'm willing to bet the VS will get back to you on that if you contact them.

[jaxin]

I remember reading about this before. And that afterwards I remembered to take my supplement every day. I've been slacking a lot lately on it. I probably shouldn't... as a matter of fact I definitely shouldnt.

*goes to take it now*

[vgnwtch]

I think of it this way: We need B12. B12 is a bacterial contaminant. Growing bacteria to produce the stuff is as natural as consuming soil or faeces, but infinitely safer. There's a great discussion on B12 and the idea of its naturalness here, in which Ava Odoéména gives extremely good information and debunks the idea that B12 gained from growing bacteria is any less natural than any other format. I think you'll find it really interesting :)