Researchers in Israel recently announced that they have found a link between childhood obesity and vitamin B12 deficiency. More than 300 children and adolescents were divided into two groups during this prospective study; one group had normal BMIs, while the other had BMIs above the 95th percentile, placing this group in the obese category.

According to the September 2006 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, the researchers found that “obesity in children and adolescents was associated with an increased risk of low vitamin B12 concentration.” They recommended that “dietary assessment of obese children should include an estimation of vitamin B12 intake. The possibility of vitamin B12 deficiency, in addition to other micronutrient deficiencies, should be considered in obese children.”

tasty tidbits

Want to enjoy that New Year’s Eve cocktail without the guilt and the extra calories? It is possible to imbibe without sacrificing your hard-won gains if you know what’s inside your libation.

Here is a Happy Hour cheat sheet to use when deciding what type of alcohol to order at holiday parties this year.