VITAMIN B12
Once a person starts complaining about frequent forgetfulness and the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion then the golden advice would be to check for the level of vitamin B 12, or start taking supplements containing vitamin B12. In fact vitamin B12 would be one of the most important vitamins. You may only be modestly familiar with, but certainly your body is not; B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body. Deficiency is not only akin to going crazy, as it is linked to psychosis. But also considered very common and one of the main causes of anemia. B12 deficiency has many symptoms, including fatigue and weakness, light headedness & dizziness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, nausea, diarrhea, memory loss, forgetfulness, numbness, tingling of hands or feet, poor coordination, and a sore red glazed looking tongue.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency and depletion are common in wealthier countries, especially among the elderly. This prevalence was underestimated in the past for several reasons; including the erroneous thought that deficiency is unlikely except in strict vegetarians or patients with pernicious anemia. In fact, researchers have found that nearly 40 percent of people in the US are deficient in this nutrient.
As mentioned Vitamin B12 is vital to every cell, and almost every chemical reaction in your body. Plants and animals are not able to construct vitamin B12. This is quite interesting, since humans can construct a variety of things endogenously. Vitamin B12 synthesis is confined to few bacteria and archaea because they have the required enzymes and as such its production relies on microbial fermentation. These bacteria are not available in any plant sources. Foods that come from animal sources are rich in vitamin B12 because those bacteria that live in the animal intestines produce vitamin B12. Therefore it is not usual to find B12 in plant sources so unfortunately, plant foods are not a great source of vitamin B12. This puts vegans and vegetarians at risk for deficiency, and they may be the best candidates for supplementation.
Vitamin B-12 is considered a water-soluble vitamin, and one of the compounds that the human body needs to carry out its vital functions. Vitamin B12 is contributing to the synthesis of (DNA) and genetic material.Since DNA is an important constitutional element to nearly all life, you can start to understand the vital importance of B12. Cells will swell in size which is not normal this happens when your B12 levels are low. This is known as macrocytosis. Besides DNA production, B12 is used in synthesis of neurotransmitters which are brain chemicals by which brain cells communicate and send information throughout your brain and body.
It also helps to maintain and protect nerve and nervous system. Nerve damage is a risk for people who are low in vitamin B12. Symptoms usually first appear in the extremities like hands and feet and then complications can even move to the brain.
Vitamin B12 is one of the compounds necessary to produce red blood cells normally and in sufficient amounts, along with iron and folic acid. And contribute to the completion of metabolic processes and energy production in the body.
Enhancing memory and mood regulation. Researchers have found that low B12 levels in the body can lead to blocking serotonin production, which is very important when being treated with anti-depressant medications
Some researchers have even referred obsessive compulsive disorder as an early manifestation of B12 deficiency. People with OCD have dysregulation in the serotoninergic system which is responsible for mood. This lends a belief to the earlier point that adequate B12 levels are vital to normal physiologic function and mood, as well as sleeping patterns.
Also, the majority of pregnant women have been found to be deficient in vitamin B12,so if a pregnant, getting enough B12, it will make a huge difference to the health of both her body and her unborn child.
Also crucial to preserve the level of the Homocysteine compound within the safe limits as high levels of this compound is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Though it should be very feasible to get enough vitamin B12 when following certain diets, there are some reasons and situations which may require many individuals to follow a supplementation plan. This can include, but is not limited to lack of absorption, complications due to other medications or conditions, and vegan or vegetarian diet.
The main and most important reason of vitamin B-12 deficiency is a lack of absorption. The release and absorption of vitamin B12 requires the presence of gastric enzymes and gastric acid, as well as the presence of the intrinsic factor, which is secreted from the wall of the stomach. Therefore, any imbalance in this process as a reduction in the level of gastric will prevent absorption and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia, which is caused by a defect in the body immune system and prevents the secretion of this intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestines.
As mentioned getting insufficient vitamin B12, is common in vegetarians, because of the presence of the vitamin is confined to many animal products such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Also patients with diseases accompanied by slow bowel movements such as diabetes, which leads to increased gastric bacteria, which in turn consume the vitamin for their favor rather than absorbing it.
And people who are suffering from diseases of the digestive system, such as Crohn’s disease and other diseases that affect the absorption of vitamin B 12.Also surgical removal of parts of the digestive system, such as the removal of a part of the stomach (Gastrectomy) can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12.
And drugs. Some drugs used over the long term may cause vitamin B12 deficiency, including Metformin and medications that reduce stomach acidity. And finally drinking alcohol
In fact, it’s highly recommended to all our clients that they supplement with vitamin B12 injections to make sure they do not become deficient. The two most common types of supplements are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. They have been shown time and time again to be the most superior forms.
Vitamin injections aren’t usually administered as frequently as pills. You might only need one dose per month. This is much easier to remember than daily doses!.Also with an injection, be completely reassured that 100% of the nutrient is utilized by the body. Because The B12 is administered directly into the bloodstream, in this way bypassing any need for digestion.
For many people, vitamin B12 injections are the only option available. If you have an illness that affects the digestive system – like celiac disease or some other intestinal issue – your body won’t be able to use the nutrient from an oral supplement.
With an injection, you get exactly what you pay for since the entire dose is usable. On another hand with a pill, you pay for a lot of nutrients that never benefit your body.