Chen's Acupuncture

Need Energy? Get Your Vitamin B12 Checked

Over 60? Take note

Vitamin B12 depletion and deficiency are much more common than previously thought, especially in the over-60 population. In fact, it’s believed that almost one in four people over 60 have deficient levels of this vital vitamin.

Equally alarming are emerging signs that other age groups harbor suboptimal blood levels of B12 as well. Why is vitamin B12 deficiency such a big deal? Your body depends on vitamin B12 for a host of functions, including…

• Helping to maintain normal energy levels

• Promoting healthy neurological activity, including mental alertness

• Supporting normal homocysteine levels for healthy cardiac function

• Helping to ease occasional stress and sleeplessness

• Maintaining healthy cell growth and repair

• Promoting normal immune function

• Supporting normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fats

Without adequate blood levels of B12, you can experience symptoms related to low energy, mental fatigue, mood changes, sleep difficulties, low libido, and even occasional indigestion.

Your body relies on the efficient conversion of carbohydrates to glucose – your body’s source of fuel – just like your car needs to be able to use gas to run smoothly. Vitamin B12 plays a major role in that conversion in your body. Likewise, B12 enables your body to convert fatty acids into energy as well. Overall, vitamin B12 is a nutrient your body cannot do without for efficient, healthy metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.

At Chen’s Acupuncture in Seattle/Bellevue, WA we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about supplements and their potential benefits. Just stop by our office, email us at info@chensacupuncture.com or call Peishan, Janette or David at 425 644 2056. Thank you.

(Image courtesy of bradley j, Flickr under the creative commons license)

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