Users of vitamins should know that vitamin b12 is a water soluble vitamin which helps in the functioning of the brain and nervous system along with the formation of blood. One should have the information that it is the eight b vitamins. Vitamin b 12 plays an important role in the metabolism of each cell of the body especially affects the dna synthesis and regulation along with fatty acid synthesis and energy production. So users of vitamin b12 should know that it belongs to the chemically-related compounds carrying vitamin activity. If we see then vitamin b12 have very complex structure acting as complicated vitamin and biochemically carrying the rare element cobalt. In the human body vitamin b 12 is converted into physiological forms , methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin, releasing the cyanide, albeit in less concentration and many more things. The other forms of vitamin b 12 such as hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin are available in the form of pharmacological products and food supplements which are very expensive in the market.
Vitamin b 12 is also known as cyanocobalamin which reflects many forms of vitamin. According to the medical practioner it can be divided into two parts . If someone wants to understand vitamin b12 in a broader way then should understand that it belongs to a group of cobalt-containing vitamer compounds called as cobalamins which includes cyanocobalamin , hydroxocobalamin ,Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A mutase, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase etc. Vitamin B12 means collection of cobalt and corrin ring molecules which helps in the specific vitamin functioning in the body. One should know the fact that vitamin b 12 cannot be obtained from plants and animals. Only bacteria which contains enzymes can do its synthesis processing for producing it .
One should understand the concept that vitamin B12 is the most chemically complex among all the vitamins. And the format of vitamin b 12 depends on the corrin ring which is alike to the porphyrin ring present in the heme, chlorophyll, and cytochrome. And in the central metal ion is known as cobalt.so the users of vitamin b 12 should know the pros and cons of it before opting it as a usage in one's life. The vitamin b 12 is the most important part of the human system and people should intake those things in one's diet so that body can absorb vitamin b 12 needed for body functioning. People can use vitamin b 12 in varied forms by collecting knowledge from booklets or through online providers.
To read about vitamin b12 and other information, visit the kollagen site.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Learn-more-about-vitamin-B-12/1207887
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Vitamin B12 Injections - Do You Need B12 Shots?
Vitamin B12 Injections - Do You Need B12 Shots?
By Laurie Beebe
Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin for many reasons. It was the most recent vitamin to be discovered, when scientists finally isolated its pure form in 1948. Until that time, doctors knew only that an "extrinsic factor" existed (a compound that had to be ingested) and was necessary to prevent pernicious anemia. This deficiency disease was reported as early as the 1820's but it wasn't until the 1920's that an extract from liver was found to be the cure, and still more years passed before the "extrinsic factor" was finally identified as vitamin B12.
The digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 is more complicated than other vitamins: Three components are necessary for a human to be able to absorb adequate amounts. If one of these is missing, injections become the only way to prevent a deficiency
First, the stomach must be present. This may sound obvious at first, but in fact many nutrients are actually absorbed in the small intestine and a stomach is not necessary for human survival. In the case of vitamin B12, however, "intrinsic factor" must be present in the stomach to combine with the "extrinsic factor" (vitamin B12) for absorption to occur. The stomach produces this intrinsic factor. A person may have to have their stomach removed due to severe ulcers, polyps, or cancer, and afterwards will not be able to absorb oral B12. In this case they would need injections of the vitamin because no matter how much they eat, it will not be absorbed.
The second component is stomach acid. Even if the stomach is present, a condition of low acid production (achlorhydria) is not uncommon in the elderly. This acid environment is necessary for the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to combine. Another cause of low stomach acid is when antacid medications are taken consistently over long periods of time. If stomach acid is lacking and a person becomes B12 deficient, monthly injections are needed to prevent pernicious anemia.
The third component necessary is the functioning area of the small intestine where the vitamin is actually absorbed. Known as the terminal ileum, it is the last part of the small intestine just before the GI tract leads into the large intestine. Some people may need to have this part of their ileum removed due to inflammation from Crohn's disease, or other chronic bowel irritations. Even if the ileum is present, if it is inflamed or scarred from an irritable bowel disease, the vitamin will not be absorbed adequately. For these people, vitamin B12 injections are a lifesaver.
Who else needs vitamin B12 injections? Not healthy people who eat balanced diets. Not people who feel tired all the time and lack energy but have not been diagnosed with a deficiency of the vitamin. Not even strict vegetarians who don't get a source of the vitamin in their diet. Even though B12 is only found in animal products, there are other ways to consume it orally: Some can be found in certain nutritional yeasts; many cereals are fortified with B vitamins including B12, and other foods such as energy bars are also fortified in many instances. The back-up plan for strict vegans (who consume no animal products) is taking a daily vitamin B12 pill from the bottle-no injection is needed because there is no problem absorbing the vitamin!
Injections are only necessary for people who are missing their stomach, their stomach acid, or their terminal ileum. Taking injections when your body is perfectly capable of absorbing the vitamin orally will not serve any purpose, change any symptoms, or resolve any feelings of low energy. This myth comes from the fact that a person who is truly B12 deficient has a deadly form of anemia and can be cured by the shots. The only thing a B12 injection can cure is a B12 deficiency.
To check for possible deficiency disease, a simple lab test (the MCV or mean corpuscular volume) indicates that red blood cells are not dividing and multiplying at the appropriate rate. Known as megaloblastic anemia, these large cells could indicate potential pernicious anemia. If further diagnostics are needed there are specific absorption tests available. It certainly makes sense to have your doctor diagnose the problem and identify the source before starting any injection treatments.
Laurie Beebe is a diet coach, a registered dietitian, and is certified in adult weight management. Please visit Laurie's website, "Shaping Your Future" at http://www.mycoachlaurie.com/ for diet tips, links to great books and websites, or to sign up for a free monthly newsletter!
Article Source: Vitamin B12 Injections - Do You Need B12 Shots?
By Laurie Beebe
Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin for many reasons. It was the most recent vitamin to be discovered, when scientists finally isolated its pure form in 1948. Until that time, doctors knew only that an "extrinsic factor" existed (a compound that had to be ingested) and was necessary to prevent pernicious anemia. This deficiency disease was reported as early as the 1820's but it wasn't until the 1920's that an extract from liver was found to be the cure, and still more years passed before the "extrinsic factor" was finally identified as vitamin B12.
The digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 is more complicated than other vitamins: Three components are necessary for a human to be able to absorb adequate amounts. If one of these is missing, injections become the only way to prevent a deficiency
First, the stomach must be present. This may sound obvious at first, but in fact many nutrients are actually absorbed in the small intestine and a stomach is not necessary for human survival. In the case of vitamin B12, however, "intrinsic factor" must be present in the stomach to combine with the "extrinsic factor" (vitamin B12) for absorption to occur. The stomach produces this intrinsic factor. A person may have to have their stomach removed due to severe ulcers, polyps, or cancer, and afterwards will not be able to absorb oral B12. In this case they would need injections of the vitamin because no matter how much they eat, it will not be absorbed.
The second component is stomach acid. Even if the stomach is present, a condition of low acid production (achlorhydria) is not uncommon in the elderly. This acid environment is necessary for the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to combine. Another cause of low stomach acid is when antacid medications are taken consistently over long periods of time. If stomach acid is lacking and a person becomes B12 deficient, monthly injections are needed to prevent pernicious anemia.
The third component necessary is the functioning area of the small intestine where the vitamin is actually absorbed. Known as the terminal ileum, it is the last part of the small intestine just before the GI tract leads into the large intestine. Some people may need to have this part of their ileum removed due to inflammation from Crohn's disease, or other chronic bowel irritations. Even if the ileum is present, if it is inflamed or scarred from an irritable bowel disease, the vitamin will not be absorbed adequately. For these people, vitamin B12 injections are a lifesaver.
Who else needs vitamin B12 injections? Not healthy people who eat balanced diets. Not people who feel tired all the time and lack energy but have not been diagnosed with a deficiency of the vitamin. Not even strict vegetarians who don't get a source of the vitamin in their diet. Even though B12 is only found in animal products, there are other ways to consume it orally: Some can be found in certain nutritional yeasts; many cereals are fortified with B vitamins including B12, and other foods such as energy bars are also fortified in many instances. The back-up plan for strict vegans (who consume no animal products) is taking a daily vitamin B12 pill from the bottle-no injection is needed because there is no problem absorbing the vitamin!
Injections are only necessary for people who are missing their stomach, their stomach acid, or their terminal ileum. Taking injections when your body is perfectly capable of absorbing the vitamin orally will not serve any purpose, change any symptoms, or resolve any feelings of low energy. This myth comes from the fact that a person who is truly B12 deficient has a deadly form of anemia and can be cured by the shots. The only thing a B12 injection can cure is a B12 deficiency.
To check for possible deficiency disease, a simple lab test (the MCV or mean corpuscular volume) indicates that red blood cells are not dividing and multiplying at the appropriate rate. Known as megaloblastic anemia, these large cells could indicate potential pernicious anemia. If further diagnostics are needed there are specific absorption tests available. It certainly makes sense to have your doctor diagnose the problem and identify the source before starting any injection treatments.
Laurie Beebe is a diet coach, a registered dietitian, and is certified in adult weight management. Please visit Laurie's website, "Shaping Your Future" at http://www.mycoachlaurie.com/ for diet tips, links to great books and websites, or to sign up for a free monthly newsletter!
Article Source: Vitamin B12 Injections - Do You Need B12 Shots?
The Side Effects Of Vitamin B12
The Side Effects Of Vitamin B12
By Maria Treadaway
This article discusses vitamin B12 and most of the reported side effects of taking B12. It also outlines some of the medical conditions that taking B12 may exacerbate.
Background
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluable vitamin needed for normal cell activity. It is a part of a group of cobalt containing B complex vitamins, which are also known as cobalamins. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B12is important for metabolism. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells and in maintaining the central nervous system. It is found in most foods which come from animal products including liver, fish, shell fish, meat and dairy products.
Side Effects
The good news is that vitamin B 12 is usually non-toxic, even when taken in large doses. However, people have experienced some adverse effects, even though these side effects are quite rare. Generally, when vitamin B12 supplements are taken orally then there is little chance of side effects occurring. Some people choose to take vitamin B12 administered with an injection. This type of ingestion as been associated with the following side effects:
Medical Conditions
Other side effects may be experienced by people who have an allergy or a sensitive to cobalamin and cobalt. If this is the case, then it is advisable to avoid vitamin B12 supplementation altogether and instead seek to eat the foods that contain naturally occurring B12. In addition B12 should be avoided by people suffering from Leber's disease, a hereditary disease in which the optic nerve wastes away. Ingesting vitamin B12 can actually speed up the atrophy of the optic nerve resulting in rapid loss of central vision.
There is also evidence to suggest that patients who have undergone heart surgery and received coronary stents may have an increased risk of the artery narrowing again when they take vitamin B12. A small risk, but one to bear in mind.
On a positive note, pregnant and breastfeeding women can take vitamin B12 quite confidently when it is taken orally in amounts not exceeding the recommended daily allowance (2.6 mcg/day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg/day if breastfeeding)
As can be seen, vitamin B12 is a relatively safe vitamin with very few adverse side effects even when taken in large doses. More problems than not arise from B12 deficiency than they do from ingestion of the vitamin itself.
Click on the link for more information on a huge array of vitamin related topics.
Article Source: The Side Effects Of Vitamin B12
By Maria Treadaway
This article discusses vitamin B12 and most of the reported side effects of taking B12. It also outlines some of the medical conditions that taking B12 may exacerbate.
Background
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluable vitamin needed for normal cell activity. It is a part of a group of cobalt containing B complex vitamins, which are also known as cobalamins. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B12is important for metabolism. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells and in maintaining the central nervous system. It is found in most foods which come from animal products including liver, fish, shell fish, meat and dairy products.
Side Effects
The good news is that vitamin B 12 is usually non-toxic, even when taken in large doses. However, people have experienced some adverse effects, even though these side effects are quite rare. Generally, when vitamin B12 supplements are taken orally then there is little chance of side effects occurring. Some people choose to take vitamin B12 administered with an injection. This type of ingestion as been associated with the following side effects:
- mild diarrhoea
- anxiety and panic attacks
- heart palpitations
- insomnia
- breathing problems
- chest pain
- skin rash, hives or itchy swollen skin
Medical Conditions
Other side effects may be experienced by people who have an allergy or a sensitive to cobalamin and cobalt. If this is the case, then it is advisable to avoid vitamin B12 supplementation altogether and instead seek to eat the foods that contain naturally occurring B12. In addition B12 should be avoided by people suffering from Leber's disease, a hereditary disease in which the optic nerve wastes away. Ingesting vitamin B12 can actually speed up the atrophy of the optic nerve resulting in rapid loss of central vision.
There is also evidence to suggest that patients who have undergone heart surgery and received coronary stents may have an increased risk of the artery narrowing again when they take vitamin B12. A small risk, but one to bear in mind.
On a positive note, pregnant and breastfeeding women can take vitamin B12 quite confidently when it is taken orally in amounts not exceeding the recommended daily allowance (2.6 mcg/day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg/day if breastfeeding)
As can be seen, vitamin B12 is a relatively safe vitamin with very few adverse side effects even when taken in large doses. More problems than not arise from B12 deficiency than they do from ingestion of the vitamin itself.
Click on the link for more information on a huge array of vitamin related topics.
Article Source: The Side Effects Of Vitamin B12
The Different Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem throughout the world, especially for the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can present itself as hematologic vitamin B12 deficiency or hide itself as asymptomatic vitamin B12 deficiency.
Sources of Vitamin B12
The human body needs vitamin B12 or cobalamin for it to function properly. The human body needs vitamin B12 for the formation of red blood cell. Vitamin B12 is also vital in keeping a healthy nervous system. Any B12 deficiency can lead to serious impairment and health issues.
Vitamin B12 is most readily found in animal proteins such as those found in red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. Plants and vegetables contain only smaller amounts of vitamin B12 derived from microorganisms. Ovalactovegetarians and lactovegetarians get vitamin B12 in their milk and eggs. However, strict vegetarians and vegans have few sources of naturally occurring vitamin B12 and are advised to include in their diet foods that are fortified with vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 Absorption
The body has a complex method of absorbing and recycling vitamin B12. Any defect in the absorption process can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
One place where absorption takes place is in the stomach. The gastric acid and pepsin in the stomach help remove vitamin B12 from animal proteins. The reason it is important to masticate food well is that vitamin B12 binds readily with salivary R protein for absorption.
In addition, pancreatic enzymes or an alkaline pH will react with vitamin B12 to increase its rate of absorption by the body. These help to break down the R protein-cobalamin complex. Then, prior to absorption by the body, vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor (IF) to form an IF-cobalamin complex.
Conditions Affecting the Body's Absorption of Vitamin B12
If you have a medical condition that affects your body's vitamin B12 absorption, it is important to consume extra vitamin B12. However, if you do not have a medical condition affecting vitamin B12 absorption and you simply do not consume a lot of vitamin B12 in your diet for a variety of reasons (e.g., if you are a vegan), then taking supplements is necessary to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.
Any health condition that might decrease the body's ability to digest food proteins properly can be a cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. One common cause of this kind of health condition is failure of the body to release adequate gastric acid. This itself is a symptom that can be attributed to a number of other possible underlying health conditions.
If you have a condition such as pernicious anemia or if you have had a gastrectomy, you may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. As mentioned previously, vitamin B12 absorption is a complex bodily process that can be hampered if any necessary compounds and bodily functions are not present. Vitamin B12 absorption happens when salivary R protein binds with intrinsic factors in the small intestine. If these intrinsic factors are not present, the absorption of vitamin B12 will fail. The natural result is vitamin B12 deficiency.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-different-causes-of-vitamin-b12-deficiency-33877.html#ixzz1AhMQZuBX
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Sources of Vitamin B12
The human body needs vitamin B12 or cobalamin for it to function properly. The human body needs vitamin B12 for the formation of red blood cell. Vitamin B12 is also vital in keeping a healthy nervous system. Any B12 deficiency can lead to serious impairment and health issues.
Vitamin B12 is most readily found in animal proteins such as those found in red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. Plants and vegetables contain only smaller amounts of vitamin B12 derived from microorganisms. Ovalactovegetarians and lactovegetarians get vitamin B12 in their milk and eggs. However, strict vegetarians and vegans have few sources of naturally occurring vitamin B12 and are advised to include in their diet foods that are fortified with vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 Absorption
The body has a complex method of absorbing and recycling vitamin B12. Any defect in the absorption process can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
One place where absorption takes place is in the stomach. The gastric acid and pepsin in the stomach help remove vitamin B12 from animal proteins. The reason it is important to masticate food well is that vitamin B12 binds readily with salivary R protein for absorption.
In addition, pancreatic enzymes or an alkaline pH will react with vitamin B12 to increase its rate of absorption by the body. These help to break down the R protein-cobalamin complex. Then, prior to absorption by the body, vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor (IF) to form an IF-cobalamin complex.
Conditions Affecting the Body's Absorption of Vitamin B12
If you have a medical condition that affects your body's vitamin B12 absorption, it is important to consume extra vitamin B12. However, if you do not have a medical condition affecting vitamin B12 absorption and you simply do not consume a lot of vitamin B12 in your diet for a variety of reasons (e.g., if you are a vegan), then taking supplements is necessary to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.
Any health condition that might decrease the body's ability to digest food proteins properly can be a cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. One common cause of this kind of health condition is failure of the body to release adequate gastric acid. This itself is a symptom that can be attributed to a number of other possible underlying health conditions.
If you have a condition such as pernicious anemia or if you have had a gastrectomy, you may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. As mentioned previously, vitamin B12 absorption is a complex bodily process that can be hampered if any necessary compounds and bodily functions are not present. Vitamin B12 absorption happens when salivary R protein binds with intrinsic factors in the small intestine. If these intrinsic factors are not present, the absorption of vitamin B12 will fail. The natural result is vitamin B12 deficiency.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-different-causes-of-vitamin-b12-deficiency-33877.html#ixzz1AhMQZuBX
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencies
Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well, because of its cobalt content. Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is an integral element in DNA formation. It functions with the binding of protein in food. During the digestion process, hydrochloric acid in the stomach discharges vitamin B12 from protein contents found in food. As soon as it is released, it binds with intrinsic factor (IF). Later intestinal tract absorbs this combination.
Vitamin B12 Sources
Vitamin B12 is a naturally derived substance. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products are the wise selection of vitamin B12 sources. Another great source of vitamin B12 is fortified breakfast cereals. This is a perfect choice for vegetarians to satisfy their vitamin B12 needs. Apart from that mixed spices prepared from mollusks and clam can be considered as one of significant vitamin B12 sources. Liver, beef, Trout, Salmon, Yogurt, Haddock, Clams, Tuna, Pork, and Chicken are the great sources of vitamin B12.
The requirement for vitamin B12 in a healthy adult is 2.4μg per day.
Vitamin B12 Functions
Essentially, vitamin B12 functions in various ways. The most important among all vitamin B12 functions is identified with the assistance in the neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitter is an important element that regulates almost every function in our body and mind. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism are also significant vitamin B12 functions. It helps in appropriate DNA replication process. It plays a significant role as a catalyst during hemoglobin synthesis. If you lack vitamin B12 in your daily diet, you may become anemic. It helps in red blood cells production. It helps in converting from homocysteine to methionine. This conversion is crucial in minimizing the risk of cardiac arrest.
Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Typically vitamin B12 deficienciesmay occur due to two reasons one is inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food substances and the second reason is an inability to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. The later situation mainly occurs in the case of strict vegetarians. They suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly due to the fact that they do not consume any foods coming from animals.
The common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies may include constipation, memory loss, difficulty in walking or moving, megaloblastic anemia, mood disorder, numbness, sore tongue, disorientation, damage in the myelin sheath and dementia.
Pregnant women or lactating women need extra supply of vitamin B12, like any other essential nutrients. It passes to the placenta during pregnancy. Brest-fed infants receive their nutrients from their mother. Therefore a lack of nutrients may cause serious harm to their health. The women on vegan diet may lack the sufficient supply of vitamin B12. So the crisis may result within months of birth. If not taken into serious consideration, it may cause severe neurological damage in time.
Apart from that, individuals suffering from megaloblastic anemia or gastrointestinal disorder may receive benefits from vitamin B12 supplements. Few medications suggested for chronic problem may decrease the natural absorption of vitamin B12 in the body, in such cases additional supplements of vitamin B12 seem to be necessary.
As vitamin B12 supplements are essentially dependent on animal products, so we must understand that a strict vegetarian diet may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. In such cases, fortified cereals must be taken under consideration to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B12.
Potential Health Risk
There is no established UL so far for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. Till date, no such reports have been submitted in claim of adverse effects resulting from the usage of vitamin B12. However, medical studies conducted by Institute of Medicine say that individuals older than 50 years should depend on fortified foods to avoid possible vitamin B12 deficiencies. It is mainly because of the impaired absorption pattern for vitamin B12 coming from animal products, mostly prevalent at older ages.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/vitamin-b12-sources-functions-and-deficiencies-282957.html
About the Author
Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. Visit Vitamin B12 Deficiency at Vitamins and Minerals. Also read about Curcumin Benefits for complete information on Curcumin
Vitamin B12 Sources
Vitamin B12 is a naturally derived substance. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products are the wise selection of vitamin B12 sources. Another great source of vitamin B12 is fortified breakfast cereals. This is a perfect choice for vegetarians to satisfy their vitamin B12 needs. Apart from that mixed spices prepared from mollusks and clam can be considered as one of significant vitamin B12 sources. Liver, beef, Trout, Salmon, Yogurt, Haddock, Clams, Tuna, Pork, and Chicken are the great sources of vitamin B12.
The requirement for vitamin B12 in a healthy adult is 2.4μg per day.
Vitamin B12 Functions
Essentially, vitamin B12 functions in various ways. The most important among all vitamin B12 functions is identified with the assistance in the neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitter is an important element that regulates almost every function in our body and mind. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism are also significant vitamin B12 functions. It helps in appropriate DNA replication process. It plays a significant role as a catalyst during hemoglobin synthesis. If you lack vitamin B12 in your daily diet, you may become anemic. It helps in red blood cells production. It helps in converting from homocysteine to methionine. This conversion is crucial in minimizing the risk of cardiac arrest.
Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Typically vitamin B12 deficienciesmay occur due to two reasons one is inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food substances and the second reason is an inability to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. The later situation mainly occurs in the case of strict vegetarians. They suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly due to the fact that they do not consume any foods coming from animals.
The common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies may include constipation, memory loss, difficulty in walking or moving, megaloblastic anemia, mood disorder, numbness, sore tongue, disorientation, damage in the myelin sheath and dementia.
Pregnant women or lactating women need extra supply of vitamin B12, like any other essential nutrients. It passes to the placenta during pregnancy. Brest-fed infants receive their nutrients from their mother. Therefore a lack of nutrients may cause serious harm to their health. The women on vegan diet may lack the sufficient supply of vitamin B12. So the crisis may result within months of birth. If not taken into serious consideration, it may cause severe neurological damage in time.
Apart from that, individuals suffering from megaloblastic anemia or gastrointestinal disorder may receive benefits from vitamin B12 supplements. Few medications suggested for chronic problem may decrease the natural absorption of vitamin B12 in the body, in such cases additional supplements of vitamin B12 seem to be necessary.
As vitamin B12 supplements are essentially dependent on animal products, so we must understand that a strict vegetarian diet may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. In such cases, fortified cereals must be taken under consideration to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B12.
Potential Health Risk
There is no established UL so far for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. Till date, no such reports have been submitted in claim of adverse effects resulting from the usage of vitamin B12. However, medical studies conducted by Institute of Medicine say that individuals older than 50 years should depend on fortified foods to avoid possible vitamin B12 deficiencies. It is mainly because of the impaired absorption pattern for vitamin B12 coming from animal products, mostly prevalent at older ages.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/vitamin-b12-sources-functions-and-deficiencies-282957.html
About the Author
Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. Visit Vitamin B12 Deficiency at Vitamins and Minerals. Also read about Curcumin Benefits for complete information on Curcumin
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Your body requires very little vitamin b12 or cobalamin and most of us get sufficient quantities of it in our normal meals to satisfy our daily requirements. Although it's rare to see vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms it can still be useful to be able to recognize them just in case.
You're most vulnerable to vitamin b12 deficiency if you've vegan and don't use the available dietary supplements containing vitamin b12. Infants breast-feeding from vegan mothers can also be at risk. Vitamin b12 supplements are generally regarded as safe because there are few known adverse effects of overdose.
The main symptom that arises from vitamin b12 deficiency is a type of anemia that causes you to feel tired, weak and lethargic. You might also feel nauseous, constipated and become very flatulent (gas). You may also lose your appetite and suffer weight loss.
It's also important to realize that the operation of vitamin b12 is dependent on sufficient quantities of other vitamins being present in your body so you should take care to get a balanced diet to avoid vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms.
Summary:
Your body requires very little vitamin b12 or cobalamin and most of us get sufficient quantities of it in our normal meals to satisfy our daily requirements. Although it's rare to see vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms it can still be useful to be able to recognize them just in case.
Free up to date information on vitamin deficiencies and symptoms: Vitamin deficiency
Article Source: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
You're most vulnerable to vitamin b12 deficiency if you've vegan and don't use the available dietary supplements containing vitamin b12. Infants breast-feeding from vegan mothers can also be at risk. Vitamin b12 supplements are generally regarded as safe because there are few known adverse effects of overdose.
The main symptom that arises from vitamin b12 deficiency is a type of anemia that causes you to feel tired, weak and lethargic. You might also feel nauseous, constipated and become very flatulent (gas). You may also lose your appetite and suffer weight loss.
More severe cases can give vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms, which include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Insomnia
- Loss of memory
- Dizziness
- Lack of balance
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Dizziness
- Liver enlargement
- Eye problems
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Inflamed tongue
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of memory
- Palpitations
- Neurological damage
- Tinitus or ringing in the ears
It's also important to realize that the operation of vitamin b12 is dependent on sufficient quantities of other vitamins being present in your body so you should take care to get a balanced diet to avoid vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms.
Summary:
Your body requires very little vitamin b12 or cobalamin and most of us get sufficient quantities of it in our normal meals to satisfy our daily requirements. Although it's rare to see vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms it can still be useful to be able to recognize them just in case.
Free up to date information on vitamin deficiencies and symptoms: Vitamin deficiency
Article Source: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin B12 to Counteract Cyanide Toxicity
Cyanide exposure not occurs not only from intentional poisoning. Cyanide (hydrogen cyanide) and cyanide-containing chemicals are used in mining, in acrylic nail removal and sometimes in fumigation. Most people have heard that apple pits contain cyanide. This is true, although the amount is very small. The cyanide is bound to a sugar called amygdalin. The apple pit has to be broken or crushed to release the amygdalin into the body.
You'd have to eat hundreds of apple pits in a sitting to experience ill effects from cyanide poisoning. The kernels of peach and apricot pits have the same chemical, but if you swallowed a whole peach pit, it would just pass through you intact. Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a root eaten as a staple food in many African, Asian and Caribbean countries has some varieties that contain relatively large amounts of cyanide, bound to another glycoside called linamarin. The cyanide is released from the linamarin during the preparation of the roots. Usually washing and sieving the grated roots several times and exposing them to the air allows the hydrogen cyanide gas to be washed away with the water and to evaporate. Nevertheless, low-grade cyanide poisoning from cassava is relatively common in countries where it is a staple food, causing tingling of the mouth, headaches and goiters. More severe cases include disorientation, paralysis and even death.
The greatest risk for cyanide poisoning in the United States comes from smoke inhalation. Many common household materials like wool, paper and plastics produce hydrogen cyanide when burned under low-oxygen conditions. Smoke inhalation thus presents a greater threat than actual burning in a fire, and hydrogen cyanide toxicity through smoke inhalation is a common occupational hazard for firefighters.
How does vitamin B12 (cobalamin) help remove the hydrogen cyanide from the body? Chemically, cobalamin is attracted to cyanide. Vitamin B12 in the form of hydroxycobalamin is administered through injection to get it into the body as fast as possible. In the body the cyanide ion is exchanged with the hydroxyl group of hydroxycobalamin, producing cyanocobalamin. The cyanocobalamin can now be safely flushed from the body. Many commercial vitamin B12 supplements actually contain cyanocobalamin. This raises the question of the toxicity of cyanocobalamin. In the quantities taken for regular supplementation is it usually not toxic. Exceptions are heavy smokers who already have chronic cyanide toxicity from cigarette smoke, and sufferers of Leber's hereditary optical neuropathy. If you want to completely avoid any amounts of cyanide, use supplements containing hydroxycobalamin or methylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is very nontoxic. The hydroxycobalamin dose administered at the scene to smoke inhalation victims is 5 grams for an adult. That is about 2 million times the daily dose needed for an adult (2.4 micrograms).
Of course, this is emergency medicine, you would not take these huge amounts at home. A typical vitamin B12 supplement taken for vitamin B12 deficiency contains from 1000-5000 micrograms, in the range of one thousandth of the detoxification dose for smoke inhalation. Rather than through injections, these supplements for at-home use are usually in oral capsule, liquid or sublingual form. The same chemical principles should also work to flush out lower concentrations of cyanide, such as those accumulated by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke, the consumption of traces of cyanide with cassava, or even by life in industrialized countries.
http://www.informalscientist.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Neilsson
You'd have to eat hundreds of apple pits in a sitting to experience ill effects from cyanide poisoning. The kernels of peach and apricot pits have the same chemical, but if you swallowed a whole peach pit, it would just pass through you intact. Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a root eaten as a staple food in many African, Asian and Caribbean countries has some varieties that contain relatively large amounts of cyanide, bound to another glycoside called linamarin. The cyanide is released from the linamarin during the preparation of the roots. Usually washing and sieving the grated roots several times and exposing them to the air allows the hydrogen cyanide gas to be washed away with the water and to evaporate. Nevertheless, low-grade cyanide poisoning from cassava is relatively common in countries where it is a staple food, causing tingling of the mouth, headaches and goiters. More severe cases include disorientation, paralysis and even death.
The greatest risk for cyanide poisoning in the United States comes from smoke inhalation. Many common household materials like wool, paper and plastics produce hydrogen cyanide when burned under low-oxygen conditions. Smoke inhalation thus presents a greater threat than actual burning in a fire, and hydrogen cyanide toxicity through smoke inhalation is a common occupational hazard for firefighters.
How does vitamin B12 (cobalamin) help remove the hydrogen cyanide from the body? Chemically, cobalamin is attracted to cyanide. Vitamin B12 in the form of hydroxycobalamin is administered through injection to get it into the body as fast as possible. In the body the cyanide ion is exchanged with the hydroxyl group of hydroxycobalamin, producing cyanocobalamin. The cyanocobalamin can now be safely flushed from the body. Many commercial vitamin B12 supplements actually contain cyanocobalamin. This raises the question of the toxicity of cyanocobalamin. In the quantities taken for regular supplementation is it usually not toxic. Exceptions are heavy smokers who already have chronic cyanide toxicity from cigarette smoke, and sufferers of Leber's hereditary optical neuropathy. If you want to completely avoid any amounts of cyanide, use supplements containing hydroxycobalamin or methylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is very nontoxic. The hydroxycobalamin dose administered at the scene to smoke inhalation victims is 5 grams for an adult. That is about 2 million times the daily dose needed for an adult (2.4 micrograms).
Of course, this is emergency medicine, you would not take these huge amounts at home. A typical vitamin B12 supplement taken for vitamin B12 deficiency contains from 1000-5000 micrograms, in the range of one thousandth of the detoxification dose for smoke inhalation. Rather than through injections, these supplements for at-home use are usually in oral capsule, liquid or sublingual form. The same chemical principles should also work to flush out lower concentrations of cyanide, such as those accumulated by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke, the consumption of traces of cyanide with cassava, or even by life in industrialized countries.
http://www.informalscientist.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Neilsson
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