This article is also available online at Supplements and Health [http://www.supplements-health.com]Benefits Of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Supplementation
One of the most overlooked supplements on the market is Vitamin
B12.Your body needs this vitamin, in combination with other B vitamins,
to maintain a healthy nervous system, maintain energy levels and
production of good DNA. All very important processes to your everyday
existence.
The number one symptom for Vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling tired
and lethargic. The B-Complex vitamins play an important role in
carbohydrate digestion and energy production. Without all of the proper
components this system can breakdown and cause a these symptoms. If
left without diagnosis or treatment, B12 deficiency can lead to a
serious medical condition, Pernicious Anemia. The symptoms of B12
deficiency include; shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate,
loss of appetite, diarrhea, tingling and numbness of hands and feet,
sore mouth, unsteady gait, especially in the dark, tongue problems,
impaired smell and bleeding gums. A high intake of Folic Acid can hide
B12 deficiency. This condition is easily fixed by adding B12 rich foods
to your diet or taking supplements. In most cases, Vitamin B12 should
be taken in conjunction with a Folic Acid supplement and a B-Complex
vitamin.
Because of changing diets, and highly processed food, there has
been a significant increase in Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is
found in red meat, eggs, dairy and fish. There are no know sources of
Vitamin B12 in vegetables. At one time it was quite common to feast on
organ meat, but you would be hard press to find a fast food restaurant
serving steak and kidney pie or liver and onions! The modern diets has
led to a decline in nutritionally balanced diets. The highest sources
of B12 can be found in mollusks/clams (85 micrograms per 3oz portion)
and beef liver (47 micrograms per 3oz portion). Over cooking can lead
to the breakdown of the vitamins. If those are not to you your liking
then salmon, trout and beef are moderate sources with about 5
micrograms per 3 oz portion. Over cooking these foods can significantly
reduce the quantity and quality of nutrients.
If oysters and organ meat are not to your liking then Vitamin B12
supplements will work perfectly well. There are a number of forms of
B12, and this list will help you pick the proper supplement for your
conditions. When in doubt, contact your doctor or use Methylcobalamin.
Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 which is
biologically active. This means that your body can use it as is, and
does not require any metabolic steps to make it body friendly. The
product comes in a sublingual tablet(dissolves under your tongue)
because your digestive system modifies the molecule. The sublingual
method allows the vitamin to directly enter your bloodstream, providing
rapid benefits.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, and inactive, form of Vitamin B12
that requires a number of metabolic processes to gain any benefit. This
can be problematic in people with certain deficiencies and health
issues. Unfortunately, this is the most common form of Vitamin B12 on
the market and is found in most Vitamin B-Complex’s.
Hydroxycobalamin is a non-active form of Vitamin B12 and is used
commonly as an injectable form. It has a number of benefits depending
on your condition. It is recommended for those who have cyanide
sensitivity. Hydroxycobalamin helps the body bind free cyanide, by
reacting with the molecule to form cyanocobalamin, which can then be
excreted from the body. Most people are aware that cyanide is highly
toxic, but the body regularly uses it in very small quantities for
metabolic processes.
Adenosylcobalamin is the other coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 and is
biologically active. This form is usually sold as an injectable form
and only available by prescription.
Common Reasons for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are a number of reasons why a person may have Vitamin B12
deficiency. Some people lack the proper intrinsic factor to properly
digest this molecule. Many times this will show up at a young age but
may occur as you age, however many times it is not diagnosed properly.
Vegan’s also may be deficient because their diet does not allow
them to eat sources of food derived from animals. Unfortunately,
Vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources. Taking supplements of B12
will ensure that there are no issues.
It is also recommended that elderly people take Vitamin B12
supplements. It has been shown in studies that 15% of people over 65
have Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is partially caused by a decline in
the gastric system, which results in poor absorption of nutrients. The
preferred source of B12 for the elderly is sublingual or injectable
forms, since they bypass the digestive systems.
Another culprits for B12 deficiency is gastric acid-blocking
products and medication, which can lead to decreased vitamin B12
levels. This is also related to people with malabsorption conditions
such as Celiac disease, low stomach acid or those who have had stomach
or intestinal surgery. Any stomach condition may result in poor
absorption of nutrients.
Vitamin B12 is a very safe, and affordable, supplement with real
benefits. For anyone that is concerned about their health, proper
supplementation can play a very important role. If you have any of the
symptoms or conditions associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency try
taking a coenzyme form of B12, usually Methylcobalamin, and a B-Complex
Vitamin with Folic Acid for a two week period. If you notice any
benefits, great, and if not there was no harm done. You should always
check with your doctor if your symptoms continue.
One interesting thought about Vitamin B12 is that oysters were
documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century.
Could it have been that many Romans were deficient in B12, and when
they ate the oysters, which are high in B12, they were no longer
deficient resulting in an increase in energy and youthfulness? It’s
possible.
About the author: Darcy S. O'Neil has spent over 9
years working in the chemistry and pharmaceutical industry. During this
time he became a pharmaceutical whistleblower (http://www.snakeoil.ca)
and now spends his time writing about his experience
(http://www.monograph.ca), and working in the Food & Beverage
Industry as a bartender.
