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Home >
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Supplement Articles >
Vitamin B-12 |
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Supplement Articles |
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VITAMIN B-12
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
B-12 is
required for digestion,
fertility and the normal
growth and development of
all cells ... |
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B12 is a
water-soluble B
vitamin.
Deficiencies of B12
may not be seen for
several years
because the body can
store up to 5 years
worth of this
vitamin. There are
several forms of B12
including
cyanocobalamin and
methylcobalamin.
B12 is required in
areas where there is
high cell turnover,
for example the
gastrointestinal
tract, bone marrow
and nervous system.
Thus B12 has been
used for the
treatment of
neurological
diseases like
multiple sclerosis
and depression. |
Anemia is a lack of
the oxygen carrying
ability of red blood
cells. B12
regulates blood cell
production, with
folic acid.
Lack of B12 leads to
types of anemia
where the red blood
cells look too
large, macrocytic, under
the microscope.
Supplementing
sublingually with
B12 reverses this
type of anemia. B12
is required for
digestion, fertility
and the normal
growth and
development of all
cells. It enhances
learning and memory,
and normalizes sleep
patterns.
All of the B
vitamins work
together and are
best used by the
body in a B complex,
which is why many B
complex supplements
include a small dose
of B12 in them.
Most B vitamins are
water-soluble and
any extra from large
doses is flushed out
of the body easily,
therefore it's best
to take lower
dosages of the B
complex several
times a day than one
larger dose. Spray
or sublingual forms
of B vitamins are
easily absorbed, as
are capsules - if
your digestion is
healthy, then the
tablet form is
usually suitable for
most people.
If additional
supplementation of
B12 is needed it can
be taken in addition
to a B complex.
Deficiency of
intrinsic factor in
the stomach results
in the inability of
the body to absorb
B12. Sublingual
formulas are
available and are
absorbed in the
mouth, thereby
eliminating the need
for intrinsic
factor.
Methylcobalamin is a
form of B12 that is
available as a
supplement and is
easier for the body
to use than
cyanocobalamin.
B12 is depleted by
sedatives, estrogen,
oral contraceptives
and alcohol.
Anti-gout
medication,
anti-coagulants and
potassium
supplements block
the absorption of
B12.
Vegetarians that do
not consume eggs or
dairy products
require B12
supplementation.
Diets high in
protein require more
B12 intake. |
VITAMIN B12–
QUICK FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES
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·
Clams, eggs,
herring,
kidney,
liver,
mackerel,
dairy
products,
seafood, sea
vegetables,
nutritional
yeast.
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DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
·
Anemia, bone
loss,
fatigue,
constipation,
depression,
dizziness,
enlarged
liver, eye
disorders,
memory loss,
neurological
damage,
heart
palpitations.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
1000 mcg
daily. May
be given as
an injection
by a health
professional.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin B
complex,
folic acid,
vitamin A,
vitamin, C,
vitamin E,
calcium.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
click for products |
·
The elderly
and anyone
with
impaired
digestion
are prone to
a deficiency
of B
vitamins,
especially
B12.
·
There is no
toxicity
associated
with B12. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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