Vitamin B-12 Supplements Recommended for Older Adults ROCHESTER, Minn — Mayo Clinic experts routinely recommend that older adults consider B-12 supplements or food fortified with this critical vitamin The September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers the importance of vitamin B-12, problems associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency and how this condition can be avoided
TUESDAY Q A: Vitamin B-12 deficiency more common with increasing age Rarely, vitamin B-12 deficiency is a cause of dementia As vitamin B-12 deficiency becomes more advanced, a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) or even white blood cells and platelets may develop Deficiency often is caught before it reaches this level Diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency typically involves blood tests
Researchers look at possible link between low vitamin B12 and Parkinson . . . Low vitamin B12 levels can worsen some symptoms of Parkinson's disease, especially postural instability and cognitive impairment, which can lead to falls and injuries, researchers say Lower vitamin B12 levels also are associated with higher Hoehn-Yahr stage, the tool for assessing disease severity, and neuropathy in Parkinson's patients
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Osteoporosis and supplements for bone health A calcium-rich diet is important to maintain optimal bone health and prevent osteoporosis So, too, is vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to be deposited into bones The amount of calcium and vitamin D needed to optimize bone health increases with aging Circulating estrogen also is nurturing to bones
How Much Calcium Do Adults Over 55 Need? - Mayo Clinic News Network In fact, several studies have shown that calcium combined with low daily doses of vitamin D reduces fracture risk and increases bone density " Calcium supplements, he says, should be considered only if you do not get the recommended daily amount of calcium through diet
Mayo Clinic Q and A: How much vitamin D do I need? What do you recommend? ANSWER: Understanding how much vitamin D you need can be confusing because there are different recommendations about how much vitamin D adults should get Using the recommendations that fall on the low end, many adults don’t get the amount of vitamin D they should
Take Vitamin Supplements with Caution: Some May Actually Cause Harm Vitamin B-12 — It's estimated that up to 15 percent of older adults are deficient in vitamin B-12 Since vitamin B-12 has not been shown to cause harm, even in large doses, it may be beneficial for older adults to take a B-12 supplement containing at least 2 4 mcg — the Recommended Dietary Allowance — to help prevent deficiency
Mayo Clinic Minute: Dietary supplements dont reduce dementia risk, but . . . Do dietary supplements reduce your risk of dementia and improve brain health? The Global Council on Brain Health says they don't In a new report, the organization recommends that most people not take dietary supplements for this purpose In addition, the Global Council on Brain Health, which is a collaborative organization associated with the AARP, […]
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Get the Facts Before Taking Folic Acid As you should with any vitamin or mineral supplement, get the facts before you start taking folic acid In some cases, a supplement may be appropriate, but taking too much folic acid may carry risks Folate is found naturally in certain foods Dark green vegetables, beans, peas and nuts tend to be rich in folate