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For openers, I learned of B 12 sort of by accident.

As I reviewed my literature on the drug omeprazole I learned that one possible side effect is that it inhibits the absorption of naturally produced vitamin B 12. In the past I experienced acid indigestion and pretty bad acid reflux. The solution was physician prescribed Omeprazole. It turns out that such Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) as Prilosec and Prevised are B 12 inhibitors.

So, I ceased the omeprazole and began B12 and a miracle happened........ I became “normal” again

I learned a long time ago that the daily recommended dosage is not really a reliable guide. Large vitamin doses are most effective. For me at least, large doses do no harm. My doctors will not suggest large vitamin doses and may not really understand the fact that such can be very beneficial. I don’t know.

I learned that Walmart has good and very widely used vitamin products. Walmart sells what the customers consistently buy. In the specific case of B 12, that is a 5,000 iu tablet that dissolves under the tongue. I take it in the morning. There are several makers of the same or similar products. I lack the knowledge to distinguish between them as better or worse.

I learned from a friend that a 1,000 iu extended release tablet also taken in the morning was beneficial into the afternoon. From a friend who advised that B 12 might be effective against neuropathy or leg and foot numbness, I began taking the 1,000 iu extended release tablet at bed time. The numbness and tingling in the lower leg and feet was very significantly reduced. It seems that did not work for my friend but did for his wife. So it apparently is not a cure all for everybody’s neuropathy experienced as numbness in feet and legs.

I have two friends for whom doctors prescribed B 12 in the 5,000 iu dosage. I learned by accident and by experiment. In the absence of specific recommendation I tried, experimented, with dosage. I arrived at a workable regimen that is very effective. That is, in my experience it is ok to try a dosage and see if over a week or so it is effective. You can always quit.

This business of vitamin consumption is ubiquitous at another, different level. If you go to the drinks section of a large gas station store, there are tons of different “energy” drinks. At the counter there small vials of expensive “5 hour energy supplements”. Both and all are actually vitamins. Red Bull and Monster are vitamin laden liquids. B 12 is one of the vitamins included. Such dosage is very expensive compared to pills from Walmart.

So my testimony is that daily large doses of vitamin B 12 has allowed me to abandon the lethargic blahs and long naps and achieve a “normal” functionality. The change is very real and dramatic. At 82, age is likely a problem that the heavy dosage overcomes. I can’t say with certainty. But........ miraculously, it works.