Vitamin B12 is present in foods of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs. Vegetarians and the elderly are especially susceptible to deficiency of this important nutrient, which may be caused by low dietary intake, inadequate bioavailability or poor absorption of B12.^1,2 The age-related decrease in hydrochloric acid production can also affect B12 bioavailability.^3,4

B12 Supplementation

To overcome obstacles to vitamin B12 absorption, the Institute of Medicine recommended in 1998 that vitamin B12-fortified foods (such as fortified ready-to-eat breakfast cereals) and supplements containing vitamin B12 be used by older adults to help meet their B12 requirement.⁵

More recent research shows that supplementing with B12, even at moderate doses, can improve both B12 and folate status in older individuals.⁶

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, works synergistically with vitamin B6 and folate to convert homocysteine into the amino acid methionine.⁷ This helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, an emerging marker of cardiovascular, neurological and general health.⁸