IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS WE LACK #4: VITAMIN B-12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is also very important in the body's use of folic acid.  Numerous studies suggest low B12 status contributes to cognitive decline and memory problems in the elderly. 

It is believed that as much as 40% of persons over 50 in the US have insufficient or deficient levels of B12.  B12, found in all animal-based foods including meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs, is plentiful in the American diet, but people who are elderly and/or taking medicines for acid reflux are at risk for low vitamin B12 because of inadequate digestion of the nutrient.  Two steps are required for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the food proteins.  Next, vitamin B12 combines with a substance made by the stomach called intrinsic factor. Only then can it be absorbed by the body.   So, persons with reduced stomach acid have compromised B12 absorption.

Some researchers theorize that one of the ways low B12 contributes to cognitive problems is that B12 is required to metabolize supplemental folic acid.  The US wheat supply has been fortified with folic acid since 1998 so intake of the vitamin is often quite high.  Without adequate vitamin B12 to process supplemental folic acid, it is believed that the unmetabolized folic acid may be depositing on neural tissue and contributing to mental declines.

What to do:  The most common bloodwork tests of B12 levels are known to be quite inaccurate as B12 is stored in the liver.  If you take medicine for acid reflux, the diabetes drug Metformin, or are over 50 discuss taking a supplement with your healthcare provider.  The supplemental form is easily absorbed regardless of your stomach acid production.  If supplementing, choose one that dissolves under the tongue.

IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS WE LACK #3: MAGNESIUM

Every organ in the body -- especially the heart, muscles, kidneys, pancreas, and bones -- needs the mineral magnesium. Many large observational studies have found that low magnesium intake is linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes.  While excess weight is by far the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, inadequate magnesium appears to also be a contributing factor.  For example, two landmark studies in the US that tracked over 127,000 people for up to 18 years found that those with higher magnesium intake were 27% less likely to get diabetes than those with lower magnesium intake.  Higher magnesium intake has also been linked to lower levels of inflammation in the body and this may be one way that it reduces risk of type 2 diabetes.

What to do:  It is recommended that women get 320mg of magnesium and men get 450mg.  Most Americans are falling short.  The best dietary sources of magnesium include seeds, nuts, dark greens, beans, bran, and fish.  Be sure to check with your health care provider before taking magnesium supplements.  The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, and magnesium lactate.

IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS WE LACK #2: VITAMIN D

Studies suggest adequate levels of vitamin D are important not only in maintaining healthy bones but also in reducing the risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypothyroid, and autoimmune diseases.  Vitamin D is actually a hormone that the body produces when exposed to the sun.  Persons who are older, obese, and/or have darker skin have less capacity to make vitamin D.  Also, those living in colder climates such as New York have reduced exposure to the sunlight.   And too much sun exposure can also be risky as it increases skin cancer rates.  An estimated 40%-75% of Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels.   

Low vitamin D levels are linked to a number of risk factors for cardiovascular. It is believed Vitamin D reduces blood vessel inflammation and therefore is an important ingredient in the prevention of heart disease.  A recent review of 75 research studies on Vitamin D and heart disease concluded there is evidence low vitamin D levels are associated with unhealthy blood pressure, insulin resistance, and coronary artery disease. 

What to do:  Next time you get blood work, request that your doctor check your vitamin D level.  This way you can know if you are deficient or not and how much to supplement with.  Food sources of vitamin D include fortified products such as milk, fish with bones such as sardines, and fish liver oils.  If supplementing, be sure to choose vitamin D3 , not vitamin D2 which is less well used by the body.  

IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS WE LACK #1: POTASSIUM

Potassium is a key mineral that helps to counterbalance the effects of sodium on blood pressure.  Adequate intake has also been linked to better bone health and reduced rates of kidney stones.  However, it is estimated that 90% of American men and 99% of American women do not consume the recommended 4,700 mg per day. 

One out of every four Americans has high blood pressure. Certainly, lifestyle changes such as being physically active, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, and losing excess weight help to control blood pressure.  Diet composition also has a significant effect on blood pressure.  Most people know to focus on lowering sodium intake, but do not realize that increasing potassium is also very important.  There are many large observational studies indicating low potassium intake is associated with higher blood pressure and increased rates of strokes and heart attacks.  It is believed potassium lowers blood pressure by increasing the elasticity of large blood vessels like the aorta and carotid and dilating small blood vessels. 

The best dietary sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables.  In plant foods, potassium usually occurs in the form of potassium citrate and it is now being recognized that the citrate is also helpful in lowering blood pressure.  It is the citrate that helps to reduce kidney stones by binding to calcium that otherwise are able to bind to oxalates producing calcium oxalate stones.   It is also believed that the citrate in potassium citrate contributes to bone health by reducing urinary calcium losses. 

What to do:  Taking potassium supplements can be dangerous for persons with kidney disease or those taking blood pressure medicines that prevent potassium excretion.  Only supplement if advised to do so by a physician.  The best way to increase potassium intake is to consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables (especially good options are dark greens, yams, winter squash, bananas, kiwis, cantaloupe, papaya, avocados, and citrus), dairy, beans, and whole grains.