Introducing – Vitamin B12

Posted on by

Overview:

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is “burned” to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

All the B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.

Vitamin B12 is an especially important vitamin for maintaining healthy nerve cells, and it aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12 also works closely with vitamin B9 (folate) to regulate the formation of red blood cells and to help iron function better in the body. Folate and B12 work together to produce S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood.

Vitamins B12, B6, and B9 work together to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease. However, researchers aren’t sure whether homocysteine is a cause of heart disease or merely a marker that indicates someone may have heart disease.

Mild deficiencies of B12 are not uncommon in elderly people, either because of poor diet or because they have less stomach acid, which the body needs to absorb B12. Low levels of B12 can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nervousness, numbness, or tingling sensation in the fingers and toes. Severe deficiency of B12 causes neurological damage.

Others at risk for B12 deficiency include:

    * Vegans (vegetarians who also don’t eat dairy or eggs)

    * People with malabsorption conditions, such as tapeworm infection, pancreatic disease, and conditions resulting from gastrointestinal surgery

    * People who are infected with Helicobacter pylori (an organism in the intestines that can cause an ulcer). H. pylori damages stomach cells that make intrinsic factor, a substance the body needs to absorb B12

    * People with an eating disorder

    * People with HIV

Folic acid (vitamin B9), especially when taken in high doses, can mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to neurological damage. For that reason, anyone planning to take more than 800 mcg of folic acid should talk to their doctor first, to make sure they do not have a B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is used for:

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia occurs when stomach cells are not able to make intrinsic factor, and the body cannot absorb vitamin B12. Symptoms include weakness, pale skin, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, and moodiness. Vitamin B12 supplements in high doses, either given as injections or orally, are prescribed to treat pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia can be a dangerous condition and should always be treated by a doctor.

Heart Disease

Many studies indicate that patients with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine are roughly 1.7 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than those with normal levels. Homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by B complex vitamins, particularly vitamins B9, B6, and B12.

The American Heart Association recommends that, for most people, an adequate amount of these important B vitamins be obtained from diet, rather than taking extra supplements. Under certain circumstances, however, supplements may be necessary. Such circumstances include elevated homocysteine levels in someone who already has heart disease or who has a strong family history of heart disease that developed at a young age.

Fatigue

A vitamin B12 deficiency causes fatigue. One small study, done a number of years ago, suggested that some people who were not deficient in B12 might gain more energy from B12 injections; however, follow-up studies are needed. One preliminary study indicated that people with chronic fatigue syndrome might benefit from B12 injections, although more research is needed to know for sure.

Breast Cancer

Although there is no evidence that vitamin B12 alone reduces the risk of breast cancer, some population studies have shown that women who get more folate in their diet have lower incidence of breast cancer. Vitamin B12 works with folate in the body, so it may help contribute to a lesser risk. Another preliminary study suggested that postmenopausal women who had the lowest amounts of B12 in their diet had an increased risk for breast cancer.

Male Infertility

Studies suggest that vitamin B12 supplements may improve sperm counts and sperm mobility. However, the evidence is weak. Further studies are needed to determine whether B12 has any real beneficial effect.

Asthma

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin B12 injections given by a doctor may help treat symptoms of chronic asthma, although scientific studies are lacking.

Dietary Sources:

Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods. Good dietary sources include fish, dairy products, organ meats (particularly liver and kidney), eggs, beef, and pork.

Available Forms:

Vitamin B12 can be found in multivitamins (including children’s chewable and liquid drops), B complex vitamins, and individual supplements. It is available in both oral (tablets and capsules) and intranasal forms, softgels, and lozenges. Vitamin B12 is also sold under the names cobalamin and cyanocobalamin.

How to Take It:

If your diet includes meat, milk, and other dairy products, you should be able to meet the recommended daily requirements without taking a vitamin B12 supplement. Vegetarians who do not eat any animal protein should take a vitamin B12 supplement with water, preferably after eating. Elderly people may need greater amounts of vitamin B12 than younger people because the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet diminishes with age.

People considering B12 supplements should check with a healthcare provider to find out the most appropriate dosage.  Contact the Medical Staff at GEMS (on this web site).

Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B12 are listed below.

 

Pediatric

    * Newborns to 6 months: 0.4 mcg (adequate intake)

    * Infants 6 months to 1 year: 0.5 mcg (adequate intake)

    * Children 1 – 3 years: 0.9 mcg (RDA)

    * Children 4 – 8 years: 1.2 mcg (RDA)

    * Children 9 – 13 years: 1.8 mcg (RDA)

    * Adolescents 14 – 18 years: 2.4 mcg (RDA)

Adult

    * 19 years and older: 2.4 mcg (RDA)*

    * Pregnant females: 2.6 mcg (RDA)

    * Breastfeeding females: 2.8 mcg (RDA)

*Because 10 – 30% of older people may not absorb B12 from food very efficiently, it is recommended that those older than 50 years meet their daily requirement through either foods fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement containing B12.

Precautions:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Vitamin B12 is considered safe and non-toxic.

Taking any one of the B complex vitamins by itself for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins. For this reason, it is generally important to take a B complex vitamin with any single B vitamin. As noted earlier, taking folic acid at high doses can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, so thse vitamins are often taken together. Talk to your doctor before taking more than 800 mcg of folic acid.

Possible Interactions:

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin B12 supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Medications that reduce levels of B12 in the body include:

    * Anticonvulsants — include phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, primidone (Mysoline)

    * Chemotherapy medications — particularly methotrexate

    * Colchicine — used to treat gout

    * Bile acid sequestrants — used to lower cholesterol; include colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine (Questran), and colsevelam (Welchol)

    * H2 blockers — used to reduce stomach acid; include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid AC), ranitidine (Zantac)

    * Metformin (Glucophage) — medication taken for diabetes

    * Proton pump inhibitors — used to reduce stomach acid; include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex)

Antibiotics, Tetracycline:Vitamin B12 should not be taken at the same time as tetracycline because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of this medication. Vitamin B12 should be taken at different times of the day from tetracycline. (All vitamin B complex supplements act in this way and should be taken at different times from tetracycline.)

In addition, long-term use of antibiotics can deplete vitamin B levels in the body, particularly B2, B9, B12, and vitamin H (biotin), which is considered part of the B complex vitamins.

Alternative Names:

Cobalamin; Cyanocobalamin

139 thoughts on “Introducing – Vitamin B12”

  3. Fantastic blog! I truly love how it’s easy on my eyes and the details are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which need to do the trick! Have a nice day!

  4. Wonderful blog! I genuinely love how it’s easy on my eyes and also the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which really should do the trick! Have a nice day!

  6. Some exceptional thoughts here. Have you been convinced this is the appropriate solution to look at it even though? My very own personal expertise is the fact that anybody should preferably very significantly are living and let reside given that what one particular person thinks just — one more guy basically does not. Human beings are going to do what they desire to do. During the end, they at all times do. The most we can pray for is always to highlight a number of important things below and there that hopefully, allows them for making just a minor greater informed selection. Otherwise, impressive publish. You’re clearly making me consider!

  7. Aw, this was a definitely excellent write-up. In theory I’d prefer to write like this also – getting time and genuine effort to build a positive guide..
    . but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way seem to obtain something carried out.

  9. Great opinion I recently hit on your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my original comment. I don’t know what toletexcept that I have enjoyed reading.

  10. My good friend and I were just discussing this particular article, she actually is normally attempting to prove me incorrect! I am about to show her this post not to mention rub it in a little!

  12. Much obliged for the information and for creating a good site. I have been seeking good info on gardening and can put these recommendations to practice. I have found it hard to locate good suggestions, as there are tons of sites with junk posts. Please keep the good information coming!

  13. I have been just reading through your post it is very well crafted, My organization is exploring on the net searching for precisely how to start this blog thing and your blog is simply really professional.

  17. US Tele-Medicine Blog » Blog Archive » Introducing – Vitamin B12 was a high quality article. I would like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I postpone alot and never seem to get anything done.

  22. This educational post helped me a lot! Bookmarked your blog, extremely great topics everywhere that I read here! I like the information, thanks.

  23. Someone I work with visits your blog regularly and recommended it to me to read also. The writing style is great and the content is relevant. Thanks for the insight you provide the readers!

  25. Your webpage does not render properly on my iphone 3gs – you may want to try and fix that

  26. http://www.culturedeluxe.com/music/musicreview/people-like-us-wobbly-–-music-for-the-fire/attachment/people-like-us on said:

    Excellent post, I will be checking back regularly to look for updates. 🙂

  27. “Usually you can’t open a checking account within a year of a closed account. You have to "earn the trust". I’d pay it off ASAP and establish a savings account. Get direct deposit and keep the account in good standing. Often, with a few month of history, the banks or CUs will open a checking account (or probationary checking).”

  29. I truly enjoyed this submit. We (as a neighborhood), value it. I own a extremely comparable blog on this subject. Do you thoughts if I link to this posting on my world wide web web site?

  30. Great info I recently stumble your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my primary comment. I don’t know what toadmitexcept that I have enjoyed reading. Meticulous blog. I will keep visiting this blog very at all times.

  33. Pingback: Another Blog Title

  35. I was planning the same principle the minute encountered this story plus wondered if everybody else experienced the same trouble?

  36. Your url you sent me came thru, thanks, but it looks to not be working, does anyone have a backup, or mirror source? Just something that works.

  37. There are many brands of vitamin supplements. Which brand is the right vitamin b complex supplements?

  39. I seemed to be guessing exactly the same thing once looking over this short article and even was wondering whenever anyone else obtained exactly the same complications?

  41. Hi, this an astonishing information dude. Good share. Unfortunately I am having problem with your RSS feed. Fail to subscribe to it. So anybody else facing same rss feed issue? Anybody who can help please respond. TQ

  42. Hi Gabriel. I don’t see any sense, because Manues has explaned everything understandable. Please see the above comments!

  43. I just wanted to comment your blog and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and Ill be back to read more soon mate

  46. Hi, where did you get this data are you able to please support this with some proof or chances are you’ll say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate. This information is actually good and I’ll say will all the time be useful if we attempt it threat free. So if you happen to can back it up. That can really help us all. And this might convey some good reputation to you.

  47. Hi!, Very interest angle, we were talking about the same thing at work and found your site very stimulating. So just had to com­ment a lit­tle thank you for all your effort. Please keep up the great work your doing!

  48. My partner and i really don’t know precisely why people don’t agree with this. The idea makes perfect sense once people check out the whole article.

  49. That is definitely great site you’ve visiting this site. The situation is very helpful as well as straight to the level. Excited to see much more about your site next occasion.

  51. Thanks for sharing the link – but unfortunately it seems to be not working? Does anyone have a mirror or another link?

  53. Many thanks and Please maintain updating your Webpage. I are going to be stopping by each time you do .

  55. There are couple brands of vitamin supplements. What brand is the right vitamin b complex supplements?

  56. Suggestions from other people are a fabulous way to begin your ideal quest. Brands that possess a suggestion from a buddy or colleague are generally fairly good.

  59. Thank you for one more fantastic weblog.Where else could I get this sort of tips written in such an incite full way? I’ve a project that I’m just now operating on, and i am certain this can help me a great deal..and I have been trying to find this kind of tips because from handful of days….Thanks!!!!!

  60. I really hope to see her looking like she used to when she was with Heff… killer abs and awesome tits! (fake is the new real, plus it’s not fake if you cant touch!)…

  63. Since looking for some time for a beneficial read concerning this specific issue . Looking around in Yahoo and google I ultimately discovered this web site. Seeing this information So i’m seriously happy to convey that I have a nice sense I discovered whatever I wanted. For certain i will make certain to remember this website and give it a look constantly.

  64. Hey, maybe this is a bit offf topic but in any case, I have been surfing about your blog and it looks really neat. impassioned about your writing. I am creating a new blog and hard-pressed to make it appear great, and supply excellent articles. I have discovered a lot on your site and I look forward to additional updates and will be back.

  65. I consider I’ll alter to this blogengine system as it really is a lot nicer than mine.

  66. Nicely done mate.. I agree most of what was written right here and this would certainly make me wanna return for your blog! Book marked! =)

  67. Good writing here I really really like the way you write your blogs. I will continue to visit your site in the future to read more great blog posts like this one! please keep up the amazing work

  68. Good writing here I really really like the way you write your blogs. I will continue to visit your site in the future to read more great blog posts like this one! please keep up the amazing work

  69. Definitely helpful idea for me .
    Will you posting some more ? coz i desire to stick to ur twitter or facebook

  70. Very informative blog post here. I just wanted to stop by and thank you for taking the time out of your very busy day to write this. I’ll be back to read more in the future as well.

  75. I’m certainly not the sort of person that actually leaves a comment on sites nonetheless this is without question an interesting story. I’m just still pondering what the point is however grant me some time and I will understand.

  76. I have been scouting around for a little bit for finding a really good articles or blog posts with reference to this particular issue . Looking in Bing I lastly found this fabulous site. Reading this So i am pleased to state that I’ve got a wonderful feeling I located the very things I needed. I most certainly will be sure to remember this website and check it out constantly.

  78. You don’t own it. In the US, since 1983, it’s been illegal to dump cart ROMs for the sake of anything but strictly developmental purposes.

  82. Get started on your own fat loss and health goals right away with these Simple and Easy Healthy Meal Plans.

  84. I’ve been browsing for a while for finding a skilled view relating to the following subject . Doing research in Yahoo and google I lastly have discovered this blog post. Reading this information I’m seriously happy to express that I get a great sensation I uncovered just what I needed. Most definitely i’ll make certain to remember this blog and check it out consistently.

  85. As on the lookout for a short time for just a beneficial study relevant to this area . Exploring in Bing I finally discovered this great site. Reading this information I’m relieved to express that I’ve got a nice feeling I discovered everything that I was ready for. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this web site and look it over on a constant basis.

  86. I have been researching for a while for just a really good content articles related to this particular topic . Looking in Google I now found this blog. After reading this post I’m just seriously happy to express that I have a great uncanny feeling I located just what I was ready for. Most definitely i’ll make certain to don’t forget this web site and take a look consistently.

  87. Your effort on this blog is really noticeable, but I like your simple writing style. It is easy to read and your ideas are clear.

  88. Just after looking at this one or two questions arose. I’ll go ahead and think it over before submitting them here simply because I don’t want to worry you with a thing I could quite possibly have without difficulty track down in Google or bing.

  89. I noticed this on page 27 in Bing which unfortunately is truly a shame. Now i am certainly no authority yet what you’re publishing here makes good sense. Far more individuals really should be aware of it.

  93. Be well on your way to achieving your own Fat Loss and Health Goals with these Simple and Easy Fat Burning Meal Plans on back2fit.

  94. I know a lot of blog authors also have written an e-book. If you have you can monetize your e-book by using http://www.ebooked.org which is really a website that enables ebook authors to share their function for free with people following somebody completes a survey. Once they complete the survey the author can make some money.

  95. There are couple brands of vitamin supplements. What brand is the best vitamin b complex supplements?

  97. Wonderful blog! I actually love how it’s easy on my eyes as well as the info are well written. I am wondering how I may be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which ought to do the trick! Have a nice day!

  100. Please tell me it worked right? I dont would like to sumit it again if i do not have to! Either the blog glitced out or i am an idiot, the second option doesnt surprise me lol. thanks to your great blog!

  101. In one moment in my search, I find your site, and always return for here because enjoy it.

  102. Marvellous article you have induced here! The web is full of horrid authorship and I was grabbed by your limpidity. Your stopping points are dead-on and I will forthwith subscribe to your rss feed to stay up to date with your up future day postings.

  104. There are some great ideas here. I must redesign my blog sometime. I am going to start from scratch this time I think.

  105. Marvellous article you have induced here! The web is full of horrid authorship and I was grabbed by your limpidity. Your stopping points are dead-on and I will forthwith subscribe to your rss feed to stay up to date with your up future day postings.

  106. How imaginative article, I have never seen such a good article.

  108. Another great post on blogging! Thanks so much for taking the time to share you information and wisdom with other bloggers.

  109. Hi,Thank you for the nice post, there are loads of useful information that I am sure many people donn’t know.

  111. The perfect!These articles written too great,they rich contents and data accurately.they are help to me.I expect to see your new share

  112. Just basically wished to point out We seriously enjoy your work with this weblog site as well as the high-quality posts you produce. Most of these type of posting are likely to be precisely what continues me going through the day time. I discovered this article after a great close pal of my very own suggested it to me. I do some blogging as well as site-building personally and I am always grateful to be able to check out others adding top quality information towards online community. I am going to definitely be following and also have book marked your own web site to my bebo account intended for others to see.

  113. do u have an issue with your rss Feed? It’s not working for us :(( .Thanks for your summary ireally liked it

  114. im not one for using textures normally but you have inspired me to be a bit more creative in this area, great post!

  115. You have a great Blog here Mate. Love your content very informative, Please keep up the good work.

  116. I stumbled onto your blog and read a few post. I like your style of writing.

  117. Good post, however only some of the points were actually treated really good, I think digging deep for the topic to make it more informative will really help, will be looking forward for more informative post than this. Will suggest some points which are to the best of my knowledge. This might help you bringing more information for all of us.

  118. Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
    I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!

    Thumbs up, and keep it going!

    Cheers
    Christian,Earn Free Vouchers / Cash

  121. Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
    I’ve been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!

    Thumbs up, and keep it going!

    Cheers
    Christian, iwspo.net

  122. Fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis if the underlying cause is not corrected. Cirrhosis can be only diagnosed definitively with a liver biopsy.

  123. What a nice explanation! Now I have visualization what computer networking is all about and truly appreciates the detailed explanation. If you also opt for proxies, free proxy list is acquirable on the internet and these proxies are very much advantageous because it make the connection faster. You can acquire on the internet for for this proxy info. Most especially if you want to hide your identity as you surf.. Or better yet if in case you want freebies their are free proxy list obtainable online. As you surf, take into consideration that you are in the safe hand.. I think computer networking can be your easy access to the world as it provides basic infos regarding about what you want to know. Cheers!!! chrome proxy

  125. I have been following your blog for 3 days now and i am starting to like it. and now how do I subscribe to your blog

  126. Hello. I was just surfing for fun and then I found your web site. Congratulations on your helpful post. It sounds interesting. Thanks a lot ! I will thank the person who told me to visit your blog.

  130. Do you know if this is something that works over night or does it take a bit for it to work?

  132. It’s nice to see some excellent webmasters keeping their webpage up, one of my other favorited website about goji just quit working the other week for no appearant reason.

  133. If you’re still on the fence: grab your fingers thru the yellow pages and make an apointment with a doctor and see which treatment sounds better to you, and which makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

  134. My girlfriends an I have been getting a great dieting supplement at this site, Has anyone tried it so I can add some feedback. It is at Acai Berry Supplement. Let us know what you think… thanks!!

  135. Pingback: hair restoration

  136. Pingback: Hair Vitamins Promote Hair Growth and Many More | Hair Loss Advice

  137. Pingback: Vitamins for Hair Loss Which you Need for Hair Growth | Hair Loss Advice

  138. Pingback: How come everytime I start taking a daily multiple vitamin I always get a cold sore? | Answer For Article

  139. Pingback: Energy, How Does My Body Get It And How Does It Use It? | EZ Southern Cooking - Blog

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *