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The Benefits of Our Free Vitamin B12 Test

If there was a test you could get that might be able to give you an early indication of your chances to develop Alzheimer’s, and it was free, would you take it? For many of us, Alzheimer’s runs in our families. It’s a real concern for our futures. Lately, there have been numerous studies around the link between Vitamin B12 and Alzheimer’s.

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A selection of over the counter vitamin supplements

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If there was a test you could get that might be able to give you an early indication of your chances to develop Alzheimer’s, and it was free, would you take it? For many of us, Alzheimer’s runs in our families. It’s a real concern for our futures. Lately, there have been numerous studies around the link between Vitamin B12 and Alzheimer’s.

RELATED: 3 Tips for an Amazing 9Health Fair Experience

Alzheimer’s and B12

It’s important to note that while some studies indicate insufficient levels of B12 can be an indicator of future development of Alzheimer’s, it is not yet widely accepted in the medical community and more studies need to be done. Some studies do disagree with this theory.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin B12 helps to maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve cells. While B12 supplements can help with memory loss, the Mayo Clinic also notes there’s no definitive evidence that it can help if you already have Alzheimer’s. But, it might help with prevention in the first place.

However, in an article published by Alzheimer’s News Today, there is disagreement on this. They say the research is “misleading, causing patients in early stages of the disease to miss out on a potentially valuable treatment.”

Why You Should Test Your Levels Anyway

You might be wondering, why not test my levels anyway while I wait for the scientists to sort this out. Is there any harm in taking a supplement if I find out my levels are low? To that we say, no harm and why not? Regardless of whether or not it is linked to Alzheimer’s, here’s what else low levels of B12 can do to you:

  • Cause a specific kind of anemia called megaloblastic anemia
  • Depression
  • Make you feel fatigued
  • Constipation
  • Decrease your appetite

Foods High in B12

If you’re looking for foods that are high in B12, here’s a great graphic for reference:

All of our Spring 9Health Fair locations will be offering this free test to participants who purchase any of our other affordable screenings. We encourage you take advantage of this new, free screening so that you have a full understanding of your overall health.

This article was originally published at 9HealthFair.org.

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