B12 Deficiency and Cognitive Decline

What you Need to Know

  • Vitamin B12 performs several functions-it is needed for the formation of red blood cells, helps iron function better, aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food, regulates homocysteine levels, and is essential for a healthy nervous system.  A deficiency can result in fatigue, pernicious anemia, neuropathies, atherosclerosis, poor memory and a host of other conditions.
  • Age-related cognitive decline-Until recently age-related cognitive decline was thought to be a consequence of getting older.  Current research however blows that idea out of the water!  It's been discovered that the brain can rewire itself. 
  • Intrinsic Factor- This is a protein secreted by the stomach lining.  It is necessary for the proper absorption of vitamin B-12.  Many seniors are low in intrinsic factor as well as hydrochloric acid which make it difficult for them to absorb B12 from food or supplements.
  • Dr. Yim offers Vitamin B12 injections in his office. If you feel your B12 levels may be too low, please contact the clinic to arrange for an appointment.

Awareness is Everything!

     In a recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and conducted at the University of Oxford, it was shown that low vitamin B-12 could be associated with cognitive decline.  1,648 subjects, aged 65 years and older were tested for cognitive function and vitamin B-12, homocysteine and folate. 

     Researchers found that when the levels of vitamin B-12 were higher, there was a 30% slower rate of cognitive decline.  Researchers also found that higher levels of homocysteine were associated with a 50% faster rate of cognitive decline. 

     As we age, our ability to extract vitamin B-12 from food declines.  This is why we see an increase in vitamin B-12 deficiency in older patients.  In order for this vitamin to be broken down and absorbed properly your digestive system needs adequate intrinsic factor, hydrochloric acid and healthy intestinal flora.  Certain medications, unresolved food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies and poor lifestyle choices all impact the health of your digestive system and can diminish the healthy bacteria in your gut.   Poor quality intestinal flora may lead to poor absorption of vitamin B-12.

     B-12 is found in animal products, especially red meats and in smaller quantities in tempeh, sea vegetables, nutritional yeast, tofu and tamari.  Vegetarians, especially vegans should consider supplementing their diet as getting enough from plant based sources alone may not be enough.

     Usually the first sign of a vitamin B-12 deficiency is fatigue, weakness or lightheadedness, but it is also associated with weight gain or weight loss, pale skin, sore and bleeding gums, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, numbness in the extremities, depression, poor concentration and cognitive decline.

    If you aren't absorbing vitamin B-12, supplements aren't going to do you much good.  The best way to build up your B-12 is through injections.  This puts the vitamin directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive system and ensures it gets to where it's needed. 

The Solution

     The Integrative Health Centre offers inexpensive B12 injections administered by a qualified naturopathic physician.  They are quick, painless and effective.  We usually administer a series of injections, one every two weeks for two months and then reduce this to once a month.  At the same time, we work on improving digestion with high quality probiotics and effective herbal and nutrient combinations designed to heal the gut.