Party On

I finally have an answer as to why I’ve been feeling so exhausted, worn out and down lately—a deficiency in vitamin B12.

The “no, duh” lightbulb went on over my head when my doctor called with the results of last week’s blood tests. This water-soluble vitamin plays a key role in red blood cell synthesis as well as maintaining normal brain and nervous system function and is found mostly in animal products, so it’s a very common deficiency amongst vegetarians and people who eat little meat. Symptoms associated with low B12 levels include fatigue, depression, and poor memory—check, check, and check.

I can’t help but think of that part in Wayne’s World where Wayne says, “I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored.”  Party on.

Anyway, I’m going to start up on a B12 supplement and then do another test in a few months to see if it helps or whether I need to try injections (so 1960′s). B12 is also in seaweeds, certain yeasts and algae, so I might give something like spirulina a try. I’ve been told from friends who’ve dealt with low B12 levels that you start to feel better after about a week, so cheers to that.

Since the decision on the Childhood Reauthorization Act was put on hold (until December), I don’t have as much to say about that as I’d hoped. I’m actually glad it didn’t pass because it seems wrong to have money for school food  come from SNAP (aka Food Stamp) benefits. Since many of the children who participate in the school lunch program are from low-income families receiving SNAP benefits, it just seemed backwards. I guess we’ll have to see in December. For more info click here.