B-12 deficiency may speed bone loss

B-12 deficiency may speed bone loss

Low B-12 levels in women may be linked to rapid bone loss

Managing your health may seem to be a daunting task because the rules change throughout our lives. Nutritional and supplement needs must be adjusted with each passing decade. We know that when people reach age 50, they are in danger of greater vitamin deficiency.

In my monthly column, I share the latest research about B vitamins and the dangers of deficiency to illustrate the importance of supplementing with Sublingual B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid. In this column, I want to discuss how B-12 deficiency impacts women, particularly as it relates to bone health.

Research shows B-12 levels are linked to increase bone loss The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism published findings in 2004 that linked low levels of B-12 to rapid bone loss in women. A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, studied 83 women over the age of 64, over a number of years. They measured hip bone mineral density in these women during two and six year follow-up exams.

The test results showed that women with the lowest levels of B-12 experienced rapid hip bone loss when compared with women with higher levels of B-12. "Our research shows that women with the lowest levels of Vitamin B-12 are at an increased risk for bone loss in their hips, which could lead to fractures," said Dr. Katie Stone. "We knew that Vitamin B-12 benefited the nervous system, but our findings suggest that it may also benefit bone health." The researchers concluded that modification in diet and supplementation may help reduce the rate of bone loss in elderly women. For women over age 50, this should also include a calciummagnesium- Vitamin D supplement, along with another supplement that includes Vitamin B-12.

How we become deficient We think the reason why so many adults past the age of 50 become deficient in B-12 is the reduction in our ability to absorb certain nutrients from foods decreases as we get older. B-12 is found primarily in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese and eggs, which requires several steps to successfully get the nutrient from the food we eat into our bodies. This includes producing intrinsic factor in the stomach, binding of the B-12 and later absorption by the small intestine. Another reason is that many adults begin to eat less of these foods and follow a more vegetarian diet later in life. This can greatly accelerate any potential deficiency if they do not get their B-12 from another source, like supplementation.

As early as age 30 some people's digestive system can become less efficient and may struggle with absorbing nutrients. At age 50, there may be a further decline which can cause worsening deficiency.

B-12 is crucial to overall health Because B-12 is used in making red blood cells, a deficiency may affect the number and quality of blood cells your body can make. We also know that B-12 is vital in allowing our brains to function normally, meaning a deficiency may affect the energy and clarity of thinking we experience. This study also suggests that it may be important for our bone health.

Increasing Bone Density If you're concerned with bone loss, there is hope! A university-controlled study has proven that TriVita Bone Builder rebuilds bone while protecting existing bone. These are good reasons for us to take both Sublingual B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid and TriVita Bone Builder to improve our chances of experiencing a long, healthy life.

For more information on maintaining and building healthy bone.