Supplements
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin B12 has been used for years to treat pernicious anemia. It aids folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells, and helps in the utilization of iron. Together with folic acid and vitamin B6, vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce high plasma levels of homocysteine, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin B12 also prevents nerve damage, and promotes normal growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths (myelin sheath) that cover and protect the nerve endings.
Higher than average homocysteine levels generally coincide with multiple sclerosis. People with this demyelinating disease don't metabolize B12 properly, which leaves them more vulnerable to nerve damage.
This vitamin is also essential for proper digestion, absorption of foods, the synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
People diagnosed with depression had low plasma levels of cobalt, the mineral that forms the center of the B12 molecule.
Vitamin B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning.
Some physicians use B12 to treat allergies and asthma. In one study, a 30 mg dose, administered intramuscularly for two weeks, completely relieved asthmatic breathing problems for ten out of twelve study participants. Other research documents the vitamin's value in clearing up hives and chronic dermatitis.
Vitamin B12 used in an aggressive cobalamin therapy eases pain from the nerve damage of diabetic neuropathy. The discomfort of shingles or peripheral neuropathy also abates after B12 injections.
Vitamin B12 is commercially available as cyanocobalamin. This is the most stable form of the vitamin. It is formulated into tablets, softgels, and lozenges in multivitamin form (including chewable children's multivitamins and drops), B-complex form, or by itself.
Other applications for B12 are: fatigue, debilitated states, smokers, post-surgery, cancer prevention, insomnia, neuritis, hepatitis, stress, bursitis.
Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most common in elderly persons and those with digestive disorders. Signs of deficiency are abnormal gait, bone loss, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches, migraines, inflammation of the tongue, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, nervousness, neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict vegetarians should remember that they require Vitamin B12 supplementation. Although people adopting a strictly vegetarian diet may not see any signs of B12 deficiency for some time; the body can store up to five years' worth of vitamin B12; signs will eventually develop.
Depleting Agents: Anticoagulant drugs, antigout medication, laxatives, alcohol, aspirin, antibiotics, diuretics, antacids, caffeine, estrogen, sleeping pills, contraceptives, cooking temperatures.
Sources: Vitamin B12 is obtained from animal protein products in the diet. The largest amount of vitamin B12 is found in brewer's yeast, clams, eggs, herring, kidney, liver, mackerel, milk and dairy products, and seafood. Vitamin B12 is not found in many vegetables; although it is found in sea vegetables such as dulse, kelp, kombu, and nori. Soybeans and soy products also contain some Vitamin B12.
Herb Sources: Alfalfa, bladderwrack, and hops.
Precautions: A lack of Vitamin B12 can result in folic acid and melatonin depletion.
There have been no known cases reported of Vitamin B12 toxicity.
Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: The RDA for vitamin B12 is as follows:
- Neonates to 6 months.: 0.3 mcg
- Infants 6 months to 1 year: 0.5 mcg
- Children 1 to 3 years: 0.7 mcg
- Children 4 to 6 years: 1.0 mcg
- Children 7 to 10 years: 1.4 mcg
- Men age 11 years and over: 2.0 mcg
- Women age 11 years and over: 2.0 mcg
- Pregnant women: 2.2 mcg
- Lactating women: 2.6 mcg
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