3.  Need For Vitamin B12
 
Need for Vitamin B12 B12 is stored in the liver for up to 3 years. However, under certain conditions these stores can be depleted. B12 is necessary for energy production in the body. When it is deficient people often feel fatigued. It is also needed for healthy cardiac function and helps maintain normal homocysteine levels. B12 may be beneficial and preventative in asthma attacks. It is a necessary cofactor in the transfer of methyl groups for energy production, DNA synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and myelin sheaths in the nervous system. Types of vitamin B12 are cyanocobalamin,hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin. The best way to receive B12 is via an intramuscular injection. Other routes for ingestion are sublingual and oral, however are less absorbed orally. Examples of when B12 may be deficient: • Hypochlorhydria (low levels of stomach acid) • Poor digestion • Diabetic medications like Metformin (glucophage) • Elderly age • Celiac disease, Gluten intolerance • Autism spectrum disorders • ADD • Low calcium levels, or high levels of vitamin C • Dysbiosis caused by frequent antibiotic use Symptoms of an imbalance of B12 deficiency can present as: • Pernicious Anemia • Poor blood pressure regulation • Irritability and mood swings • Memory loss/ Dementia • Neuropathies (tingling, numbness) • Depression • Insomnia • Burning sensation of the tongue • Intermittent constipation/ diarrhea • Allergies, asthma, dermatitis A simple blood test can tell you if you need B12. B12 is highest in animal products like eggs,milk, poultry, and fish. Lamb, beef. B12 is also in non-animal sources like Nori, Brewer’s Yeast, Chlorella, and spirulina www.naturalrootsmedicine.com Back to Homepage For more information see: 1.Ellis FR, Nasser S. pilot study of vitamin B12 in the treatment of tiredness.Br J Nutr. 1973 Sep;30(2):277-83. 2. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, James Groff, Sareen Gopper, 3. Medical Nutrition From Marz, Russel Marz, ND http://www.naturalrootsmedicine.comhttp://naturalrootsmedicine.comshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1
Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 4 10/28/08