Progressive Health Blog

Most Adults are Sleep-Deprived

2009-11-19T13:37:07Z

A survey conducted by the U.S. Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that most American adults are sleep-deprived. Nearly 70 percent of respondents report having at least one day of insufficient sleep monthly and 11 percent of respondents report never getting sufficient sleep. Sleep experts recommend that adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night for good health and optimum performance, yet many get considerably less.

The survey, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, examined the prevalence of insufficient rest or sleep in the U.S.. The researchers analyzed survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from all 50 states, with 403,981 adults participating in the survey.

The researchers found that 13 percent of black people reported never getting enough sleep, the highest rate seen among ethnic groups. Twelve percent of women and 10 percent of men reported never getting enough rest or sleep. Furthermore, West Virginia had the most sleep-deprived residents, and North Dakota the least sleep-deprived residents.

"Health-care professionals should evaluate patients who report chronic insufficient rest or sleep and advise them of effective behavioral strategies including keeping a regular sleep schedule; avoiding stimulating activities within 2 hours of bedtime; avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the evening; sleeping in a dark, quiet, well-ventilated space; and avoiding going to bed hungry," the study authors write.

Moderex Natural Sleep Remedy

Natural nutrients can offer a healthful alternative to traditional sleep drugs to relieve insomnia (sleeplessness) and promote relaxation.

Progressive Health's Moderex is a natural sleep remedy including GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), inositol, valerian, kava, lupulin (hops), glutamic acid, magnesium, niacinamide, passion flower, thiamine HCL and 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP). Moderex has been designed to relieve occasional sleeplessness and chronic insomnia or restlessness, for a full night's rest.

Women's Mammogram Guidelines Updated

2009-11-18T18:25:06Z

Updating its recommendations, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that women have breast cancer mammography screenings every two years between ages 50 to 74. In 2002, the USPSTF recommended that women have mammograms every one to two years at age 40. Now they warn that the risks of mammography may outweigh the benefit for many women. Women ages 40 to 49 at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their physicians about the best time to begin regular mammograms.

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, reviewed research of the efficacy of five screening modalities in reducing breast cancer death. The modalities included film mammography, clinical breast examination, breast self-examination, mammography, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Data was analyzed from two breast cancer screening studies commissioned by the USPSTF.

The researchers found that mammograms reduced the breast cancer death rate by a modest 15 percent. The greatest benefit is seen in women aged 60 to 69. No benefit is seen for women 75 and older. Furthermore, screening carries significant risks and potential harm, including radiation exposure, unnecessary biopsies, surgery and chemotherapy. The task force also recommends against doctors teaching breast self-examination.

However, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology announced they will not be changing their guidelines recommending yearly mammograms beginning at age 40.

Balance Point for Women Promotes Wellness

Progressive Health's Balance Point for Women is a comprehensive women's multivitamin formula specially designed to promote women's wellness. It features 40 natural nutrients including vitamins, minerals, bone protectors, skin, hair and nail builders, antioxidant protectors, hormone helpers and vision helpers.

Soy Isoflavone, Breast and Uterine Cancer

2009-11-17T17:00:00Z

The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2004, vol 89, no 7), investigated the long-term effects of soy isoflavones on breast and uterine cancer risk in postmenopausal monkeys. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine administered a daily diet of either soy enriched with 129 milligrams isoflavones, soy without isoflavones, or soy without isoflavones combined with conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin) to normal postmenopausal monkeys, for a three year period. Cancer risk markers including breast and uterine proliferation markers, sex steroid receptor expression, and serum estrogens were obtained from the subjects .

The researchers found that the monkeys on the soy diet with isoflavones did not have an increased level of cancer risk markers, and produced lower levels of their own estrogen. Findings also revealed that the monkeys on the soy and conjugated equine estrogen diet had increased levels of all cancer risk markers, in comparison with those on the other two diets. "These findings suggest that high dietary levels of soy isoflavones do not stimulate breast or uterine proliferation in postmenopausal monkeys and may contribute to an estrogen profile associated with reduced breast cancer risk," the study authors conclude.

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Wood CE et al. Breast and uterine effects of soy isoflavones and conjugated equine estrogens in postmenopausal female monkeys. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jul;89(7):3462-8.

Dutch Ban Pfizer Vaccine After Infants Death

2009-11-17T15:35:46Z

Dutch authorities have banned the use of Pfizer's Prevenar vaccine after three infants died shortly after vaccination. Prevenar offers protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning and ear infections. Prevenar is part of the chidlhood immunization schedule given as three doses.

The Dutch stopped the distribution of a batch of Prevenar following three cases of death in a short period. "On average about 5 to 10 deaths are reported annually after babies get vaccines," states a spokeswoman for the Dutch health institute RIVM, in a news release. "We now have three cases in a short period, that is unusual and the reason for suspending the batch."

Pfizer quarantined the batch which contained 110,000 doses of Prevenar. However, no other batches were suspended and infants in the Netherlands will continue to be vaccinated. The European Medicines Agency and Dutch officials are investigating if there were any safety concerns with the Prevenar batch. The cause of death of the infants is not known at this time.

Seasonal Support Boosts Immunity

A strong immune system ensures that the body will effectively respond to harmful viruses and bacteria. If the immune system is not functioning optimally, a common cold or flu can lead to a more severe illness like bronchitis, sinus infection and pneumonia.

Progressive Health's Seasonal Support offers effective and immediate immune system support year round. It reduces the chance of catching a cold or flu and lessens the duration and severity of illness. Seasonal Support includes bromelain, spirulina, inositol, astragulus, beta glucan, echinacea, golden seal, immune enhancer AG, elderberry, vitamin C and zinc.

Eating Fast Curbs Fullness

2009-11-16T17:49:50Z

The protein ghrelin and other gut hormones help regulate body weight and appetite. Ghrelin is known to produce feelings of hunger, and increases during fasting and decreases after a meal. The hormones leptin, peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide are known to produce feelings of satiety (fullness). However, the concentrations of gut hormones have not been studied during different rates of eating. Now research reports that eating too fast blocks hormones that curb appetite and satiety. This can lead to overeating and weight gain.

The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, investigated the effect of eating the same meal at different rates on gut peptide response. Researchers at Athens University Medical School in Athens, Greece, administered 300 mm (about 10 ounces) of ice cream to 17 healthy men during two separate testings. The meal duration was either 5 minutes or 30 minutes. Serum levels of gut hormones were obtained from the participants before the meal and every 30 minutes after eating for a total of 210 minutes. The participants also rated their feelings of hunger and fullness.

The researchers found that the appetite-suppressing gut peptide response was higher after the 30 minute meal than after the 5 minute meal. No differences were noted in the ghrelin response. Furthermore, the participants who ate slowly had higher ratings of fullness.

"Our findings give some insight into an aspect of modern-day food overconsumption, namely the fact that many people, pressed by demanding working and living conditions, eat faster and in greater amounts than in the past," states researcher Dr. Alexander Kokkinos, in a news release. "The warning we were given as children that 'wolfing down your food will make you fat,' may in fact have a physiological explanation."

Lipitrex Curbs Appetite

Over 50 million Americans diet yearly, but more than 95 percent will fail to keep the weight off long-term. An effective way to promote weight management is to take natural nutrients along with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Progressive Health's Lipitrex is a weight management supplement that curbs appetite, burns fat, jump starts the metabolism and increases energy. Lipitrex contains potent ingredients like pinnothin, CLA, bitter orange, chromium, green tea, guarana and caffeine.

IBD Drugs Linked to Skin Cancer

2009-11-15T18:51:19Z

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These diseases cause chronic inflammation and weakness of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is different than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not involve intestinal inflammation or damage. Now research reports that skin cancer may be linked to medications used to treat IBD.

The study, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 74th Annual Scientific meeting in San Diego, investigated the association of IBD with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk. Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, analyzed the records of 26,403 Crohn's disease patients and 26,974 ulcerative colitis patients, from 1996 through 2005. Each patient with IBD and NMSC was matched according to age, sex and region of the country with random control patients who did not have IBD or had IBD but not NMSC.

The researchers found that IBD patients had a 1.6 times higher risk of NMSC than the control patients. Furthermore, IBD patients that took thiopurine drugs for more than a year had a four times increased risk of NMSC than the control patients. Crohn's patients that took biologic drugs had a two times increased risk.

"Our study demonstrates that patients with IBD on immunosupression may also be at risk for NMSC," says researcher Dr. Millie Long, in a news release. "As a result, our long term management plans for IBD patients should stress the daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and increased awareness of NMSC to help to prevent complications."

Ablene Restores GI Health

IBS affects over 35 million people and Crohn's disease affects more than a million people worldwide. Taking natural nutrients can help promote GI (gastrointestinal) health and reduce IBD symptoms.

Progressive Health's Ablene contains GI-health promoting nutrients including olive extract, cat's claw, licorice, betaine, l-glutamine and essential vitamins and minerals. Ablene restores lost nutrients while preventing inflammation; helping to relieve symptoms and promote digestive health.

St. John's Wort: Safe, Effective Treatment for Depression

2009-11-15T17:00:00Z

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) as a treatment for depression has been the subject of many trials. In recent years, a large clinical trial was publicized in the popular media stating that St. John's Wort was not effective in treating major depression. However, what reporters failed to include was that the drug (Prozac) used for comparison in that study was also not effective. A study published in the British Medical Journal (2005;330(7490):503) demonstrates that an extract of St. John's Wort is just as effective as a commonly prescribed medication, paroxetine (an SSRI). The added benefit is that the St. John's Wort Extract is safer, with patients experiencing less adverse effects.

Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled Phase III trial to compare the effectiveness and safety of St. John's Wort and paroxetine. A total of 251 patients, who were 18-70 years old and had single or recurrent moderate or severe episodes of unipolar major depression without psychotic features for at least 2 weeks duration, were recruited for the trial. They were given either 900mg of St. John's Wort extract three times per day or 20mg of paroxetine for six weeks duration (higher doses were given of both treatments to patients who were initially unresponsive). The results showed that St. John's Wort significantly lowered the clinical assessment scores slightly more than paroxetine therapy and with fewer adverse effects. Adverse effects included neurologic and gastrointestinal complaints.

The authors conclude that "hypericum extract WS 5570 is at least as effective as paroxetine over six weeks of acute treatment in outpatients with moderate or severe unipolar major depression." And, impressively, St. John's Wort is better tolerated even when the dose was increased. St. John's Wort appears to be a better choice in the treatment of moderate to severe depression as defined by this study.

Antidepressants Target Wrong Cause

2009-11-14T17:49:02Z

More than 25 million Americans visit their doctor every year for treatment of depression. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for most cases of depression. However, less than half of people taking antidepressants get relief. The current dogma is that stress is a major cause of depression. Now research reports that antidepressant drugs have been targeted at the wrong cause.

The study, presented at the 2009 Neuroscience Conference in Chicago, investigated the molecular changes associated with chronic stress and depression. Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine first examined genes in the brain regions linked with depression of severely depressed rats and humans. The scientists then exposed the depressed rats to chronic stress for two weeks. They examined the genes again in the same brain regions. The depressed-related genes and stress-related genes were compared.

The researchers found that there was no overlap between the stress genes and depression genes. "This overlap is insignificant, a very small percentage," says researcher Eva Redei in a news release. "This finding is clear evidence that at least in an animal model, chronic stress does not cause the same molecular changes as depression does."

This discovery suggests that antidepressant drugs are not treating depression, they are treating stress. The researchers are now studying genes that differ in depressed rats to narrow down molecular targets.

Exulin Antidepressant Supplement

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the symptoms of depression. Taking natural nutrients along with following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help relieve depression.

Progressive Health's Exulin is an antidepressant supplement containing clinically evaluated nutrients such as L-phenylalanine, rhodiola rosea, vitamin B6, folic acid, methylcobalamin, St John's Wort and gingko biloba. Exulin helps restore nutrient deficiencies associated with depression and alleviate depression symptoms.

How Much Vitamin D Do We Need for Health?

2009-11-13T17:00:00Z

Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium, which makes it essential for bone health. It has also been investigated for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases. An article published in Alternative Medicine Review (2005;10(2):94-111) reviewed the requirements and benefits of vitamin D throughout life, in terms of promotion of optimal health. Vitamin D can be made in the skin from a precursor of vitamin D, when there is exposure to the sun. It can also be found in the diet in foods such as dairy products, which are fortified with this vitamin, and in fatty ocean fish. However, most people do not consume optimal levels of vitamin D in their diet.

The earliest requirement of vitamin D for life is during pregnancy and lactation, when vitamin D is essential for bone development. In childhood, vitamin D is necessary to prevent rickets. In adulthood, we still require vitamin D for bone health, but also for its protective effect against muscle weakness, internal cancers, type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The exact amount of vitamin D required depends on exposure to UVB light from the sun which can vary in intensity based on latitude, time of day and season. As well, the amount of vitamin D made in the body is also dependent on amount of body fat, skin pigmentation and the fraction of skin exposed to sunlight. The authors state that vitamin D blood levels are the most reliable indicator of vitamin D status, and should be in the range of 30-50ng/mL for optimal health.

The current US recommendation for intake to prevent deficiency related to bone density is 200 IU per day for children and younger adults, 400 IU/d for people aged 51-70 and 600/d for those over 70. However, this article suggests that based on the amount required for health and the prevention of other diseases, the recommendation should be raised to 1000 IU for children and younger adults when sun exposure is limited. Supplementation is inexpensive and a convenient way to achieve optimal levels of vitamin D.

Homocysteine Linked with Alzheimer's

2009-11-12T18:29:14Z

Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can damage blood vessels. Homocysteine is a biomarker for cardiovascular disease when elevated in the blood. Alzheimer's disease occurs in older adults and causes memory loss, confusion and eventually death. Now a study reports that high blood levels of homocysteine in middle-aged women is linked with twice the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The 35 year long-term follow-up study is the longest study associating homocysteine with dementia.

Researchers from Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, analyzed the data of nearly 1,500 women between the ages of 38 and 60 participating in the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg. The participants were followed for 35 years. Blood samples and health questionnaires obtained from the participants were analyzed for homocysteine levels and dementia development. A genetic analysis was done on 550 blood samples.

The researchers found that women with the highest homocysteine levels were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease decades later, compared with women with the lowest homocysteine levels. In addition, women with highest homocysteine levels had a 70% higher risk for developing dementia. Findings also suggests that a homozygous (doubled) gene variant present in one in ten Swedes may reduce the risk of dementia by 65%. A heterozygous (mixed) gene variant present in four of ten Swedes may reduce the risk of dementia by 40%.

"Alzheimer's disease was more than twice as common among the women with the highest levels of homocysteine than among those with the lowest, and the risk for any kind of dementia was 70 per cent higher," states researcher Dr. Dimitri Zylberstein in a news release.

This discovery may help provide a way for determining Alzheimer's risk before signs of illness.

Progressive-17 Promotes Brain Health

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, natural botanicals can promote brain health and nutritional support for Alzheimer's and dementia.

Progressive Health's Progressive-17 promotes healthy brain function and provides essential brain-supporting nutrients. Progressive-17 contains clinically evaluated nutrients including phosphatidylserine, acetyl L-carnitine, gingko biloba, bacopa, vinpocetine, huperzine A, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Lysine Cream for Oral Herpes

2009-11-10T17:00:00Z

Cold sores are bothersome to individuals afflicted by this condition, caused by Herpes simplex virus type I. They often suffer from sensation of tingling, burning and pain, and may also experience nausea and fever. A pilot study published in Alternative Medicine Review (2005;10(2):123-127) showed that a topical cream containing lysine, zinc and botanicals can be effective in treating oral herpes outbreaks. L-lysine, an amino acid, has been previously shown to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and decrease the duration of symptoms, when taken orally. Researchers were interested whether a topical cream containing this nutrient could have a similar effect.

Participants were recruited from the Los Angeles area. A total of 30 subjects took part in the study, who were aged 18-65 and had presented within 24 hours of an outbreak. They had not taken or applied any anti-viral agents within 10 days of the onset of symptoms. These subjects were instructed to apply the cream containing lysine, zinc and smaller amounts of some other vitamins and herbs, every 2 hours until the lesion crusted or resolved. They also kept a diary documenting their observation throughout the treatment period. The results showed that 40% of the subjects experienced complete recovery by the end of the third day, while 87% were cured by the sixth day. Lesions were completely resolved in all subjects by day 11. Normal recovery time can take up to 21 days if untreated.

This study shows that a lysine containing cream is an encouraging option when treating oral herpes outbreaks. Although this study was not placebo controlled, it is still clinically significant. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects experienced by the subjects.

Pumpkin Protein Fights Fungus

2009-11-10T16:49:26Z

Scientists have been searching for natural antibiotics, since disease-causing microbes are becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics. Pumpkin has a long history of being used in Korea and other Asian countries as a folk medicine. Now research reports that pumpkin rinds contain a potent antifungal protein that may fight yeast infections.

The study, published in American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, investigated the effects of pumpkin rind proteins on microbes. Researchers from Chosun University at Kwangju, South Korea, extracted proteins from pumpkin rinds, including the Pr-2 protein. They then conducted cell culture experiments with the pumpkin proteins.

The researchers found that the pumpkin protein Pr-2 inhibited the growth of 10 types of fungus including Candida albicans (C. albicans). C. albicans causes vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash and other infections. However, Pr-2 did not demonstrate an antibacterial effect. The researchers suggest that pumpkin protein may have the potential to fight yeast infections in humans.

"Although further efforts are needed to determine another possible biological role of Pr-2, we predict that Pr-2 could be developed as an antifungal agent and for use in the development of phytopathogen-resistant transgenic plants," the study authors conclude.

Veraferm Anti-Fungal Remedy

About 75% of women will have at least one genital yeast infection and 50% of women will have more than one infection. When used in conjunction with traditional treatments, natural anti-fungal nutrients can lead to quicker recovery time and lower the risk of recurrence.

Progressive Health's Veraferm is a natural anti-fungal remedy specifically formulated to combat candidiasis yeast infection and restore balance by normalizing candida levels. Veraferm contains a synergistic blend of potent nutrients such as caprylic acid, goldenseal, garlic, biotin, probiotics and lactoferrin.

Obesity Linked to Cancers

2009-11-09T16:54:55Z

On November 5, 2009 the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) held a news conference at the Annual Research Conference on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer in Washington, DC. AICR researchers presented new estimates linking obesity to higher cancer risk and lower cancer survival. According to the AICR report, obesity causes over 100,000 cancer cases yearly in the U.S.

The report combined the latest US cancer incidence data with conclusions of the recent American Institute for Cancer Research/World Cancer Research Foundation review, "Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention". The review concluded that obesity was linked to multiple cancers including cancers of the endometrium, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, post-menopausal breast and colorectum.

The researchers found that obesity and overweight may cause more than 6% of the approximately 1.6 million cancer cases in the U.S. yearly. They estimate that maintaining a normal weight may prevent more than 100,000 cancer cases yearly. The researchers theorize that excess fat increases the level of hormones that are associated with cancer growth.

"We now know that carrying excess body fat plays a central role in many of the most common cancers," says Laurence Kolonel, MD, PhD, Deputy Director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and AICR/WCRF expert panel member, in a news release. "And it's clearer than ever that obesity's impact is felt before, during and after cancer - it increases risk, makes treatment more difficult and shortens survival."

Lipitrex Weight Management Remedy

According to the AICR review, obesity is a high risk factor for developing cancer. The review suggests that a number of life-threatening cancers are preventable through effective weight management.

An effective way to promote weight management is to eat healthy, exercise, and supplement with natural nutrients. Progressive Health's Lipitrex is a weight management remedy that curbs appetite, burns fat, jump starts the metabolism and increases energy. Lipitrex contains scientifically evaluated nutrients like pinnothin, CLA, bitter orange, chromium, green tea, guarana and caffeine.

CoQ10 Fights Parkinson's?

2009-11-06T18:00:45Z

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that has no cure. The symptoms include tremors, a shuffling walk, muscle stiffness, stooped posture, and a mask-like, expressionless face. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the cell's energy powerhouse. CoQ10 levels decrease with age and chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Now a large clinical study will determine if CoQ10 can slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

The Phase III clinical trial, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological and Disorders and Stroke, will investigate the effects of CoQ10 on symptoms in patients with Parkinson's Disease. The large, randomized study with a control group, will enroll 600 Parkinson's patients at 60 centers in the U.S. and Canada. Researchers will administer 1,200 mg and 2,400 mg CoQ10 dosages that also contain vitamin E. The participants will be evaluated over a 16 month period for symptoms of Parkinson's disease, overall quality of life and the need for drugs to relieve symptoms.

In an earlier trial, the researchers administered several doses of CoQ10 for 16 months to a small group of patients with early Parkinson's disease. They found that the participants taking CoQ10 had less decrease in movement function and ability, compared with other participants.

"At present, the very best therapies we have for Parkinson's can only mask the symptoms - they do not alter the underlying disease," says Dr. Katie Kompoliti, neurologist and movement disorders specialist, in a news release. "Finding a treatment that can slow the degenerative course of Parkinson's is the holy grail of Parkinson's research."

Revitle Anti-Aging Remedy

Taking antioxidants like CoQ10 can help prevent the damaging effects of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with degenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease and aging. Progressive Health's Revitle is a potent anti-aging supplement specifically developed to enhance wellness, improve quality of life and reduce the risk for serious disease.

Revitle features researched nutrients like coenzyme Q10, green tea, cordyceps, grape seed, omega 3 fatty acids, NAC (n-acetyl l-cysteine), alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba, hawthorne, Siberian ginseng, bilberry, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Asian and Vegetarian Populous At-Risk for B12 Deficiency

2009-11-06T17:00:00Z

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a relatively common disorder that can have devastating effects, ranging from neurologic deficits to hematologic problems. The incidence of this deficiency in the general population is 3-5%, while in persons over the age of 65, it is 5-20%. Canadian physicians in urban Toronto noticed the prevalence of symptoms of B12 deficiency in patients of South Asian descent (from India or Pakistan). In an article published in Canadian Family Physician (2004;50:743-747), the authors examined the incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency among their South Asian patient population.

They state, "The main causes of B12 deficiency include lack of intrinsic factor and other intestinal factors (eg, malabsorption), rare genetic disorders, and inadequate intake. Absorption problems (due to lack of intrinsic or intestinal factors) are thought to be the most common cause of B12 deficiency." Low intake is not as common a problem, except in lactovegetarians (vegetarians who avoid dairy). However, this dietary practice is commonly employed in patients with South Asian ancestry.

The results of their retrospective chart review showed that of the 482 South Asian patients with documented B12 levels, 222 (46%) had at least one deficient result. Furthermore, in patients over 65 years of age, 82% were deficient. They also showed that vegetarianism was a substantial risk factor. This study suggests that patients who are South Asian, vegetarian and/or elderly should be assessed for vitamin B12 deficiency. Replacement of vitamin B12 is simple and affordable and can prevent the negative consequences. Depending on the cause of the deficiency (inadequate intake versus absorption problems), vitamin B12 administration can be via mouth or intra-muscular injection.