A new study has found that a lack of Vitamin B12 has been linked with serious health conditions in the elderly. The study also found that a Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread in long-term care facilities, 13.8% of seniors moving in to assisted living arrangements were deficient in this nutrient with more developing a deficiency during their first year in the facility. Vitamin B12 deficiencies are linked to health conditions like anemia, depression, osteoporosis, lethargy and dementia.
412 residents residing in 8 different assisted living residences, managed by the same organization, had their Vitamin B12 levels tested upon admission to their long term care homes and yearly after their admission. 69% of the participants were female (286). 13.8% of residents had a B12 deficiency and 38.3% of residents had subclinical deficiencies. Only 47.6% of residents admitted into these long term care residences had normal B12 levels.
There are two forms of B12. The Methylcobalamin form of B-12 is the coenzyme form of B-12 and is the form that exists in the body. The Methylcobalamin form of B-12 does not require any amount of conversion once consumed hence it is the most active and effective form of B-12. The Cyanocobalamin form of B-12 must be converted by the liver to the more active coenzyme methylcobalamin form of B-12 before it can function in the body.
B-12 is needed to help with the metabolism of amino acids and supports the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. It also works to assure normal functions within each cell and helps support red blood cell formation as well as the synthesis of DNA and contributes to neural function.
B-12 is the primary nutrient lacking in pernicious anemia and easily breaks down in the stomach acid. This sublingual methylcobalamin form of B-12 provides the most optimal assimilation of this important nutrient. B-12 deficiency usually increases with age due to decreased levels of intrinsic factor, a protein normally produced by the stomach, which aids in B-12 absorption. This is another reason the sublingual form of B-12 is the preferred form of B-12 supplementation. Many times Folic acid and B-6, other B Vitamins, are added to B-12 formulas to increase their effectiveness and aid in the strengthening red blood cell formation.
Here is an example of a sublingual Methycobalamin form of B-12 with additional Folic Acid and B-6 for added benefits:
https://naturesvitaminsonline.com/product/methyl-b-12-lozenges-3000-mcg/
