Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/404125
24 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014 I nvolved in most of the physiological functions in the body, vitamin B-12 plays a crucial role in the metabolism of every single one of our cells. It's involved in proper functioning of the nervous system, the production of blood products, the formation of DNA, and carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. But here's the kicker: Vitamin B-12 can't be made by our bodies. It must be obtained from our diet or other means. Our main source of B-12 is animal products (meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and eggs). Some fortified foods, such as certain breads and cereals, also deliver B-12 to our systems. If you consume these foods on a regular basis, you may think you're getting enough of this crucial nutrient. A large and complicated molecule, B-12 is set apart from the other B vitamins by its unique structure and function. Because it undergoes several steps between ingestion and getting into the blood stream, there are many opportunities for glitches to occur. It may not be the lack of B-12 in our diet that is the source of the problem but rather challenges with assimilation of the nutrient that can lead to lowered levels and deficiency. WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Vitamin B-12 deficiency risk isn't the same for everyone. If any of the following pertain to you, you're at greater risk: • You have digestive compromise (poor digestion because of chronic stress, food allergies, gastrointestinal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, Helicobacter pylori) • You take common over-the-counter or prescription medications that block or reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole Wellness By Dr. Nina Paroo, ND, WAC Naturopath M ost of us are 1-percenters. We absorb only 1 percent of our oral intake of vita- min B-12. Why do we absorb so little and why should you care? Vitamin B-12 is the largest and most structurally complicated of all the vitamins, making it vulnerable to being misshapen. Once misshap- en, it becomes unusable for us. That's a big problem. For starters, vitamin B-12 is crucial to proper digestion, which involves enzymatic action in the stomach and small intestine. When we're not digesting our food properly, our systems can't reach peak performance. Moreover, B-12 is required by every cell in our bodies. For years now, members have been coming to the Wellness Center for vitamin B-12 shots to ensure they're getting the proper amount in their bodies. I beat the drum of B-12 shots almost every day. They are just about the easiest way around to improve your health and wellness. Our new naturopath, Dr. Nina Paroo, tells us much more in this month's article. Tamela Thomas, Wellness Manager tamelat@wac.net 206.464.4639 Welcome to the 1 percent The buzz about B-12 Deficiency is common and easy to fix