Willing and able The term "deficiency" might not sound as serious as "disease" or "syndrome," but when you're deficient in certain nutrients the consequences can be just as devastating as a critical illness. In fact, I just finished reading an article about how low levels of three simple nutrients can severely impact your ability to perform simple daily tasks like bathing, dressing yourself, eating, and even using the bathroom. Imagine needing to rely on someone else to help you through those basic functions: The potential loss of independence -- and dignity -- is enough to coax even the biggest vitamin skeptic into the nearest health food store. But let me back up a step. This information comes from a study published in the November 27, 2006 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers from Cornell University studied a group of 643 women age 65 or older. Every six months, they measured various nutrient levels in the women and examined their ability to perform the daily tasks I mentioned above. After three years, 208 of the women had developed some sort of disability that interfered with everyday functioning. The researchers found that these women had the lowest levels of vitamin B6, B12, and selenium. Of course, the researchers were quick to say that "their findings do not provide basis for supplementation as a means to prevent such disability." This is just a typical example of mainstream waffling in an attempt to stay in the FDA's good graces. The fact is, supplementing with these nutrients can protect you not only from the disabilities the women in the study encountered but also from a long list of other serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and many more. Talk to a doctor skilled in nutritional and natural medicine to determine what doses are best for you. For a referral to such a physician in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or www.acam.org.
Sources:
"Low selenium, B6, & B12 linked to daily difficulties," NutraIngredients (www.nutraingredients.com), 11/29/06
"Low Micronutrient Levels as a Predictor of Incident Disability in Older Women," Arch Intern Med 2006; 166(21): 2,335-2,340
| 
