The Medical Advisor

Up to 2.5% of children and 8.3% of adolescents suffer from depression, a condition that’s associated with significant complications later in life, including an increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, physical diseases and problems with work, academic and psychosocial functioning. (1) It’s believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in why some children develop depression, and increasing attention has been placed on the role of dietary factors and nutrients such as vitamin D, which is ideally obtained via sun exposure. Further, one-carbon metabolism, which includes vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine and which plays a role in many biological processes and maintaining cellular homeostasis, has been investigated for its role in psychiatric disorders, including depression in adults. (2) After exploring the link further, researchers from Ordu University in Turkey revealed that low vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels, along with increased homocysteine, may play a role ...

Did you know a simple vitamin could keep your brain sharp as you age? Vitamin B12, found in foods like meat, eggs and dairy, isn’t just about giving you energy. A 2025 research shows it’s a secret weapon for your brain, especially as you get older. ( Annals of Neurology 2025 ) Low B12 levels interfere with your memory, slow your thinking and even shrink your brain over time. Fortunately, once you understand how vitamin B12 affects your brain health, there are simple steps to protect yourself. Older adults with vitamin B12 levels currently considered normal may still face cognitive decline and brain damage. ( Annals of Neurology 2025 ) Participants with lower—yet technically acceptable—B12 levels showed measurable brain white matter damage and slower cognitive processing, prompting researchers to call for a reevaluation of what constitutes “healthy” B12 levels in aging populations. “[Lower levels could] impact cognition to a greater extent than what we previously thought, and may affect...

Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. Emerging evidence suggests that sauna therapy may play a role in reducing these levels and offering additional health benefits. Sauna Therapy and Homocysteine Reduction A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of sulphur baths—a form of balneotherapy—on plasma homocysteine concentrations. Involving 40 patients with degenerative osteoarthrosis, participants were divided into two groups: one received stationary spa therapy combined with daily sulphur baths, while the control group received spa therapy alone. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in plasma homocysteine levels in the sulphur bath group, decreasing from 11.41 ± 2.91 µmol/L to 10.55 ± 2.28 µmol/L (p = 0.016). In contrast, the control group showed a non-significant increase in homocysteine levels. Broader Health Benefits of Sauna Use Beyond potential homocysteine reduction, regular sauna use...

If you’re considering taking B3 vitamin  Nicotinamide Riboside  “NR” ( FAQs ) ( Reviews ) or NMN ( FAQs ), we have answers to many of your pressing questions: Questions (More Detailed Answers Below): What’s NAD+ (N.A.D.)? ( Link ) What is NAD+ boosting B3 vitamin  Nicotinamide Riboside  NR? ( Link ) Is NR safe? ( Link ) Any side effects from taking it? ( Link ) Why does NAD+ expert Dr. Charles Brenner take NR? ( Link ) What does Dr. Charles Brenner feel from taking NR? ( Link ) What’s the #1 consumer reported benefit from taking it? ( Link ) Want to hear some life-changing consumer testimonials? ( Link ) What age should I consider taking it? ( Link ) What dose should I take? ( Link ) What dose does the Niagen (NR brand) team take? ( Link ) What time of day should I take it? ( Link ) Do I take it with or without food? ( Link ) Is there added benefit to taking it sublingually? ( Link ) If I can’t swallow, can I dissolve it in water? ( Link ) Does a higher dose lead to ...