Vitamin B12
Cobalamin, folate, MMA, total homocysteine as B12 and folate markers – (05-28-01)
Cobalamin, folate, MMA, total homocysteine as B12 and folate markers
This study demonstrated that deficiency of B12 and folate is very common among the elderly, and is reduced by the use of multivitamins. The researchers used the functional status of the nutrients to assess the levels found in the blood. Too many times a serum folic acid or B12 levels are done and come back normal. The standard lab values are just short of worthless and the true status can be determined by other markers such as MMA and homocysteine. Then again, supplementation with these nutrients is much, much cheaper than running the tests…just take a good quality B12 vitamin (best formulations have at least 2000 mcg to avoid decreased intake with hypochlorhyrdria) with folic acid.
Synergy : Journal of Internal Medicine 249 (5), 423-432
