Posted on 12/14/2021 2:22:38 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Scientists have published new research which examines the relationship between folate and vitamin B12 status and its associations with greater prevalence of depressive symptoms in a group of community-dwelling older adults. The study shows that low vitamin B12 status is linked to depressive symptoms, but shows that folate is not associated with depression.
Vitamin B status in Ireland
Deficiency and low status of the B-vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12 are highly present in older people. In Ireland, one in eight older adults are reported to have low B12 status, while low dietary intake and low blood status have been reported throughout all age groups in the Irish population. Some of the negative consequences of low B12 status can include megaloblastic anemia, impaired cognitive function, or damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds the nerve fibers of the brain. Understanding the link between folate or low B12 status and depression in later life is important as depression is a risk factor for functional decline, admission to residential care and early death.
The study uses data from TILDA, and examines participants aged 50 years and over who were assessed at Wave 1 of the study and who provided measurement of plasma folate and plasma B12 and screening for depression. Researchers observed that those with deficient-low B12 status had a 51% increased likelihood of developing depressive symptoms over 4 years.
The study finds that low B12 status is associated with a significantly greater risk of depressive symptoms over four-year period, but no such associations were observed for folate.
Other factors that influence micronutrient status in older adults included obesity, medication use, smoking, wealth, gender and geographic location.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
B-complex pills are good to ingest regularly.
Just eat plenty of beef, tuna, salmon, eggs, etc.
Good energy booster.
This might explain why I’ve never met a happy vegan...
I was thinking the same thing.
They’ve known this for decades. That’s why many people get the shots.
If the parietal cells don’t produce intrinsic factor the stomach acid destroys all the B12 causing a deficiency.
“Other factors that influence micronutrient status in older adults included obesity, medication use, smoking, wealth, gender and geographic location.”
Well, if you’re a poor, fat, smoker who lives in a place with little sunshine, you’re probably going to be depressed no matter how high your B12 levels are.
Or maybe its because most of them are liberals.
IT’S IN PORK.-the other white meat.
I get some 12mcg 500% in my ‘B Complex’. Wonder what is enough also if that’s included in a regular yearly lab test and what it would be listed as. Guess I need to ask my doctor. Thanks for info.
Good article. I take a B12 gummy each morning. I take enough supplements in pill form, have never liked swallowing them and I always have to have some food in my tummy. The B12 gummy first thing is perfect for me.
Vitamin D supplements or sunshine is highly effective on clinical depression. Most Americans over 45 need B12 supplements.
They’ve known this for decades. That’s why many people get the shots. If the parietal cells don’t produce intrinsic factor the stomach acid destroys all the B12 causing a deficiency.”
indeed ... and in the case of pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune disorder in which the body develops auto-antibodies against the gastric parietal cells and/or intrinsic factor itself, the body cannot absorb dietary B12 and those affected must take injections of B12 to prevent death ... i know because i’m one of those persons ... i always joke that if you HAVE to have a fatal illness, pernicious anemia is the best one to have ...
I read a journal article earlier today that said that many people getting shots could take tablets instead.
Not sure I agree..
Why did the vegan cross the road?
To get to the other side to tell you "I am a vegan."
“I read a journal article earlier today that said that many people getting shots could take tablets instead. Not sure I agree..”
indeed ... lots of claims that sublingual B12 is good enough, but my internist, who’s actually a specialist in pernicious anemia, says not using injectable B12 for those who have actual pernicious is complete BS ... both he and my regular doc are big believers in frequent, large doses of injectable B12 for pernicious anemia ...
i inject 20,000 units once a week, AND i inject compounded methylcobalamin, one of the two active forms, rather than the “officially” recommended 1,000 units once a month of cyanocobalamin, which is the shelf-stable form that regular pharmacies like to stock, but has to be converted by the body to methylcobalamin ...
I would go a step further and investigate why the parietal cells are not working properly.
I’ve had patients where the cause was cancer in the fundus where they are located that went undetected for years.
“I would go a step further and investigate why the parietal cells are not working properly.”
no big mystery for me: MASSIVE antibodies to both the gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor, PLUS i’ve got hashimoto’s thyroiditis, sjogren’s syndrome, atopic dermatitis, gluten allergy, i.e., multiple autoimmune syndrome ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.