B12 and Zinc supplementation

marypar · 07-26-2007, 05:26 PM

Hi,
I am a pretty regular poster; mom is 86, middle stage and totally functional living with my brothers one month at a time (they take turns). Everything going okay. I have been reading about B12 and Alzheimer's and want to give mom a supplement - supposedly B12 deficiency can cause alzheimer's symptoms or improve alzheimer's symptoms. The doctor says her B12 is okay but I also found out that the blood test is not an accurate measure - mom takes centrum, vit. E, Vit. C, calcium and medications including aricept. What do you think about adding B12 and Zinc? Funny thing is, I feel guilty if I don't try everything I can to help her. If something happens to her before I try everything I tend to blame myself and the guilt pours in. I am also trying to have her gain some weight - my sister in law says she is working on doing it and feeding her smaller meals more often during the day. Any input would be helpful. I just want to know I am doing everything to help her and don't want to leave anything out. thanks, maryann

Martha H · 07-26-2007, 05:55 PM

Hi Maryann,

You are really leaving no stone unturned to help your Mom - good for you. She is lucky to have a wonderful daughter like you.

If your Mom takes Centrum Silver or the equivalent, she already gets enough zinc and enough Vitamin B 12. Most doctors discourage mega doses - more then the recommended dosages. One doctor told me that with all the extra vitamins I was taking at the time, I was only producing one thing - very expensive urine. I have cut way back and feel just as healthy. Any time you hear about the benefit of some vitamin, remember that it is probably present in food, and whatever is not present in food is in her daily vitamin. In fact the 'real thing' in food is way better than the pill form.

At worst, you can even overdose on some vitamins. Don't give her anything without finding out how much is recommended, and then add up the amount in her food, the amount in her pills, plus anything in drinks like Ensure .. they are also loaded with vitamin supplements.

A mixed fruit salad and a mixed salad of red, green, dark green, yellow and purple vegetables every day gives you almost all that you can need. The main promoters of mega (high high dosed) vitamin pills are the manufacturers and mail order houses which sell them.

I hope my children will take as good care of me one day as you do for your Mom!

Love,

Martha

marypar · 07-27-2007, 09:14 AM

Hi Martha,
Thanks for the post. My mom was taking ensure and my sister-in-law said it was causing many trips to the bathroom. Would you know any other supplement that would be helpful? I will check the Centrum bottle and see the doses of B12 and Zinc. I know, in my heart, I am not dealing with this very well (can you imagine my poor little mom?) and trying to find a "cure" in my own way. In reality, I know nothing can stop it. My mom was a very beautiful woman who took care of herself and always looked very young for her age (in fact, one nurse thought my dad was my mom's dad); she was very young, active and vibrant until she hit her eighties and this disease happened and she never wanted to go out or get dressed, but did all the housework and cooking when dad was alive (he died at 91 in January, worried sick for many months about my mom, and just gave up on living); Mom is very good natured even now, and extremely small and cute - I also feel guility that I am not her caregiver (I have to work, I am 61 and need my medical benefits for me and hubby and money to live) whereas my sisters-in-law are stay at home moms who supposedly don't mind doing this together. I feel since I am not there 24X7 with mom, if something happens, I will blame myself. Wanted you to also know that I live in Queens, NY and my daughter used to live in Astoria; mom is in Long Island. thanks for listening. maryann

Harry · 07-27-2007, 10:35 AM

maryann,

Vitamin B12 taken orally and even in food is a extremly difficult vitamin to absorb. The best OTC is the one that you place under your tongue -- the subligual type.

For mineral absorption I have found that Chelated minerals that are bonded to an amino acid protien to be the best. I use Solgar and Carlson. As you may know with age absorption of many nutrients changes for the worse.

Have you tried Omega 3 fish oil??

Martha H · 07-27-2007, 11:37 AM

Good luck with your Mom. You are doing all you can, and that is enough! No guilt feelings! It's hard enough without them!

Love,

Martha