What Secrets Do Centenarians Share?

From eNewsletter 9/7/2026

DID YOU KNOW that according to a study from Annals of Neurology, simply meeting the current minimum standard for vitamin B12 may not always be enough, especially for older adults.

Healthy older people with lower vitamin B12 levels, even when those levels fell within the accepted normal range (414.8 pmol/L, far above the U.S. minimum cutoff of 148 pmol/L), showed signs of subtle neurological and cognitive problems. Thus, some people may be told their B12 status is fine while their brains are already showing early signs of strain.

"In addition to redefining B12 deficiency, clinicians should consider supplementation in older patients with neurological symptoms even if their levels are within normal limits," the author said.

Our reference range is 400-1200 pmo/L, with anything in the 400's considered low normal. Optimally, 600 and above is where B12 levels should be. To read the rest of today's issue, please go to this page.