Vitamin B12

There has been a lot of talk about Vitamin B12 lately especially in my own family.  A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to symptoms including  lack of energy, mood changes, and memory issues.  If you can't find your car keys, don't run for the bottle of vitamins.  There is a little more to it.  With the exception of vegetarians, most people are likely eating enough foods high in Vitamin B12; foods such as meat, fish, poulty and eggs.  It appears that the issue is not so much in the foods eaten, as in the absorption.  Issues like age (over 50), diet, and medications can put us at risk for absorption of Vitamin B12 from the foods we eat. If you take medications; prescription or over the counter, on a regular basis, check with your pharmacist about interference with Vitamin B12. If you have a concern, discuss it with your doctor on your next visit. A blood test can clear up any doubt.