Can you become addicted to prunes?

Q. My wife had vascular surgery for blocked arteries in both legs three months ago. She also had an aneurysm in her abdomen repaired.

The doctor told her she probably would not have bowel movements for a while until her plumbing sorted itself back into proper position.

She had problems and tried laxatives that gave her an upset stomach or didn’t work.

She finally tried prune juice, and it works, but a little too well. Getting the “dose” right has been a problem.

Can she become addicted to prune juice?

A. Prune juice has been used for decades to combat constipation.

Research suggests that prunes also may have heart benefits, since this fruit prevents oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol (Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, July 2001).

Although it is possible to become dependent on stimulant laxatives, there is no evidence that this is a problem with moderate prune consumption.

To help your wife deal with the “dosing” issue and discover other natural remedies, we are sending you our Guides to Constipation and Digestive Disorders. Anyone who would like copies, please send $4 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. GG-33, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. Each can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

“Power Pudding” is a combination of prune juice, coarse bran and applesauce. For years, nurses have recommended taking 1 tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of water to alleviate constipation.

Q. I currently follow a strict vegetarian diet and consume no animal products at all.

Since vitamin B-12 is missing from the vegan diet, I wonder how many micrograms of it I should take.

I’ve seen B-12 pills of up to 1,500 micrograms each in my food co-op, but the daily requirement is just 3 micrograms.

A. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is far more common than most people realize.

Vegans (who eat no eggs, dairy or other animal products) are frequently lacking in this essential nutrient.

Older people and those who take powerful acid-suppressing drugs also may be low.

Symptoms of a deficiency include numbness or tingling in legs and arms, trouble walking, sore tongue, loss of appetite, constipation, memory loss and disorientation.

You will need to ask your physician for a blood test (MMA as well as vitamin B-12). She should be able to recommend the best B-12 dose based on your blood levels. Because vitamin B-12 is not well-absorbed from pills, you may need a higher dose than the RDA.

One study of older people with B-12 deficiency found that daily doses of roughly 600 to 1,000 micrograms (0.6 to 1 mg) of vitamin B-12 were needed to reverse deficiency (Archives of Internal Medicine, May 23, 2005).

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.