Thought of the day - B12 paradox

[Pickle500]

Like many aspects of life that we're all trying to grapple with, good health comes from a very fine balance. There is no 'one way' to do things, but a sweet spot in the middle.

And I believe it's the same with diet, in particular B12.

B12 is a regulator of homocysteine. Low B12 is a driver for high homocysteine, which is a driver for CVD and heart problems.

However, methionine is also a driver for high homocysteine. But methionine is found in meat, with higher levels coming from higher amounts of meat.

So basically, if you don't eat meat you'll increase homocysteine. And if you do eat meat you'll also increase homocysteine.

"Excess dietary methionine and B vitamin deficiency can elevate plasma homocysteine, and B vitamin supplementation can lower plasma homocysteine levels."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

draxe.com/health/homocystei...

So are vegans who supplement with sufficient B12 doing it right? Lowering CVD rates with plant-based nutrition? Or are meat-eaters fine and just need to avoid eating burgers and steaks everyday?

There is no straight answer. It's just that nature has created a bizarre paradox for us, like most of life, that there is no black and white. There is only somewhere in the middle.

[Technoid]

I'm biased but would agree that methionine restriction seems to have some interesting data that may link it to increased longevity. I think the Blue Zones guidelines are generally quite good although I would think it's wise to add to those recommendations a small B12 supplement daily or at meals that contain no animal products : bluezones.com/recipes/food-... . I would also put more thought into considering what you're removing - for example removing dairy means you should then think about where you'll get your calcium from - regular leafy greens and/or calcium-fortified drinks for example. Less meat and more legumes/veg probably means less absorbable Zinc etc. Need to consider all nutrients.

[Nackapan]

A little bit of everything comes to mind.

I believe in a varied diet and what you fancy / crave you need something from that food.

Excess in anything unwise .

A good example is a too high in fibre diet stopping / reducing nutrients being absorbed especially in children.

Wd find the right balance then our bodies change and so must our habits .

Food is also changing.

As is our soil.