As we become older, it gets harder to consume vitamins to sustain good health. Of all the nutrients, it is especially difficult to maintain sufficient levels of vitamin B12 as our bodies don’t naturally produce it. In order to absorb vitamin B12, we would have to eat certain foods or take supplements. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, and meats such as pork, fish, and poultry, and fortified cereals are all good sources of it. Vitamin B12 is important for the body to create red blood cells and perform other cell functions. No need to worry about overdosing on this vitamin as any excess will be expelled through urination. Here are some other benefits of vitamin B12 for seniors!
Lowers Chances of Heart Attack and Stroke
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by your body. Having too much of it will increase your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. Vitamin B12 interacts with homocysteine and metabolizes excess amounts of it from the body. Having a good level of vitamin B12 will reduce your risks of such diseases.
Prevents Cognitive Decline
Vitamin B12 does not directly improve your cognitive health. However, being deficient of vitamin B12 will put you at greater risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive disorders. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency includes confusion, memory loss, tiredness, and depression. Make sure to take in enough vitamin B12 to stave off cognitive decline.
Boosts Mental Health
Vitamin B12 is crucial in the production of mood regulating chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 may thus cause the development of mental disorders like depression and psychosis. Do note that vitamin B12 will only prevent such mental disorders and not actually cure it. Please consult a professional if you are afflicted by mental disorders.
Reduces Body Pains
Another symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is having the feeling of phantom tingling and numbness. Ample intake of vitamin B12 can relieve these feelings and other body pains including back pain, neck pain, neuropathy, and neuralgia.
Improves Vision Degeneration
Research from the National Institute for Health demonstrates that taking vitamin B12 supplements, along with other supplements, reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a disorder which worsens vision in older adults. So, keep your vitamin B12 levels healthy to protect your vision.
Health and Wellness at Country Club At Woodland Hills
We have to be more mindful of our health as we enter our golden years. Scheduling regular visits to the doctor can help us stay vigilant and avoid cases of vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies that can result in health issues. Here at Country Club At Woodland Hills, our residents can easily schedule health check ups with the help of our Health & Fitness Programs. Individualized healthcare plans are also designed for each and every resident to fulfill their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. With our wellness programs and a team of dedicated health professionals, keeping healthy and happy is made simpler than ever.
