The ability to absorb B vitamins naturally decreases with age, and various indicators of cognitive impairment are associated with reduced B-vitamin levels. The elderly in general suffer from a reduction in sense of taste and thus appetite and may use many acid-reducing medicines that predispose them to B12 deficiency. According to Robert M. Russell of the U.S. RDA’s Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University, vitamin B12 is probably the single most important nutrient adversely affected by ageing.

Health experts estimate that one in five adults is deficient in one of the B vitamins. Absorption of vitamin B12 is a complex process, which can lead to B12 deficiency. Specifically at risk for deficiency are vegetarians, heavy drinkers, those who take a lot of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, those with digestive disorders, pernicious anemia, recipients of gastric bypass surgery and those with poor diets. A vitamin B-complex is great for athletes, especially endurance athletes who need a natural boost of energy before a workout, due to its beneficial effects promoting the oxygenation of red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 comes from bacteria and is not synthesised by plants or animals. Humans can get an adequate amount of B12 by taking supplements or by eating eggs or meats. Since many vegans and vegetarians eat neither eggs nor meat, it is recommended that they especially take a vitamin B dietary supplement.

Studies have found no confirmed reports of toxic side effects from heightened servings of vitamin B12. However, you should only take Isotonix Advanced B-Complex as directed on the bottle.