Although vitamin B12 can be obtained from the diet, deficiency is not uncommon, particularly among older individuals. Supplementation with methylcobalamin is indicated in such cases. This active molecule is also recommended for vegetarians and vegans, because foods that contain it are often animal-source, such as offal and seafood. Dietary supplements may, therefore, be necessary for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Given the crucial roles vitamin B12 plays in the body, it’s essential to ensure an adequate intake of this vitamin, particularly as a shortfall may result in insufficient production of haemoglobin which is vital for transporting oxygen to red blood cells. If this is not addressed, it can lead to anaemia which is characterised by abnormally low levels of haemoglobin. In vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, red blood cells are usually bigger than healthy ones. Generally known as macrocytes, these larger red blood cells do not permit adequate oxygen transport, resulting in poor oxygenation of the body. This manifests in various symptoms such as pale skin, a rapid heart rate, severe fatigue, breathing difficulties and headaches. Vitamin B12 supplementation may thus be necessary to prevent deficiency or combat the symptoms of anaemia.

Presbycusis has a number of symptoms. If you have already experienced any of those listed below, it’s time to take action:

• Reduced ability to hear dialogue in noisy environments (group exchanges).
• Recurring tinnitus.
• The constant feeling that the person speaking is mumbling.
• Having to ask people to repeat themselves.

If you don’t have any of these symptoms but are aged over 60, there is still time to think about prevention.

1. Hearing loss puts people at a distinct disadvantage: fewer interactions with those around them, gradual exclusion, loss of esteem, depression, lack of confidence, increasing difficulty communicating …
2. The longer you wait to act, the more the neural circuits lose their ability to hear complex sounds and the worse the hearing loss becomes. It’s a vicious circle.
3. A recent study demonstrated a link between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline. Problems with hearing may hasten the development of a number of cognitive impairment issues.
4. As many as 70% of 70 year-olds are believed to have significant hearing problems. According to the WHO, 1 in 4 people globally are expected to have a hearing problem by 2050.
5. It’s difficult to overcome using drugs because the inner ear contains a fluid which is constantly sweeping away substances supposed to treat the dysfunction.

You may also be interested in other vitamin supplements such as Triple C, our complete vitamin C formulation, and Daily 6®, our latest-generation multivitamin supplement, available to buy at Supersmart.