#NutritionalScience

Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in red blood cell formation and genetic function. In the United States, about one in eight adults 19 and older are deficient, a statistic prompting attention among older adults, vegetarians, and people with digestive conditions. New guidance highlights that when you take B12 may affect how well it works. For Thai readers, this adds a practical angle to everyday health routines.

Research shows the body’s absorption of B12 can be influenced by timing. Experts recommend taking B12 in the morning, ideally before breakfast. A noted plant-based nutrition expert points out that absorption peaks roughly seven hours after intake, suggesting that a morning dose can help sustain benefits throughout the day. This approach is particularly relevant for those who rely on supplements to meet daily needs.

In an age where many health-conscious individuals seek ways to enhance nutrient intake, the role of vitamin B12 in maintaining vital bodily functions has never been more evident. With a staggering 12.5% of the U.S. population aged 19 or older deficient in this crucial vitamin, timely consumption of B12 is gaining attention, particularly among groups like older adults, vegetarians, and people with digestive disorders. Recent insights suggest that the time you take your B12 supplement can play a pivotal role in its efficacy, illuminating an often overlooked facet of nutritional science.

New research from a leading aging and nutrition center at Tufts University reveals that vitamin K supports brain health, especially as people grow older. Known for its role in blood clotting, vitamin K appears to help maintain brain function. The findings stress eating green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, which are rich in vitamin K.

Researchers studied the hippocampus, a brain region essential for memory and learning, using middle-aged rodents fed a diet low in vitamin K. They focused on menaquinone-4, a common vitamin K form in the brain, and observed notable changes in behavior and brain structure when this nutrient was scarce.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have uncovered that vitamin K, commonly associated with blood clotting, plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health, especially as we age. This discovery highlights the importance of a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, which are abundant sources of vitamin K.

The study focused on the hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory, and utilized middle-aged rodents to determine how a diet deficient in vitamin K affects cognitive function over six months. The researchers centered their analysis on menaquinone-4, a prevalent form of vitamin K in the brain. Significant alterations in both behavior and brain structure were observed in mice lacking this nutrient.

At one time or another, many of us have opened our refrigerator to face a carton of eggs lingering beyond its expiration date and wondered, “Are these safe to eat?” According to recent insights from food safety experts, eggs might be safe well beyond their stamped expiration dates. As explained by Elisa Maloberti, manager of special projects and food safety at the American Egg Board, eggs, when stored properly, can last more than a month past their expiration.

Many households sometimes find eggs past their stamped date and wonder if they’re still safe. Food safety professionals now suggest that properly stored eggs can remain safe to eat well beyond expiration labels.

Egg cartons use various dates like Sell By, Use By, Exp. By, or Best By. These mainly guide retailers. Experts say eggs can stay safe for two to three weeks past these dates when kept refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. For eggs graded by the Department of Agriculture, a Julian date shows the packing day and helps consumers gauge freshness beyond typical dates.

A major study tracked over 30 years and more than 100,000 American adults to understand how long-term eating patterns influence healthy aging. The research followed participants until age 70, examining who remained free from chronic disease and who maintained cognitive and physical function.

Findings indicate that diets such as the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Mediterranean Diet (aMED), and the DASH plan significantly improve the odds of aging healthily. These patterns emphasize fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats while reducing trans fats, salt, and processed meats. Notably, those with the highest AHEI adherence showed about 86% greater odds of aging healthily by 70 compared with those with the lowest adherence.