Paula,

The acid needed for VB-12 is Methylmalonic Acid (MMA). This is found in the stomach and small intestine, and is responsible for taking the B-12 out of food and putting into the blood stream. B12 is found in red meat, eggs, and some veggies, but mostly meat and fish. (If you notice, it's all the things that heart doctors tell us are bad - i.e. red meat and eggs!)

As we get older, we produce less of this acid due to the cells dying due to age, and other causes such as stomach reduction surgery, and yes ant-acid pills such as Tums, Rolaids, and Zantac (Prilosec). This leads to an absorption problem for this very important vitamin.

The test for the methymalonic acid (MMA) will show whether your B-12 is having problems or not. If there are signs of problems, this can be an indication of an absorption problem as my doctor explained to me. If this is the case, then all the supplements in the world won't help. You'll be tied to a shot in the arm for the rest of your life.

John