One of the most overlooked supplements on the market is vitamin B12. Your body needs this vitamin, in combination with other B vitamins, to maintain a healthy nervous system, maintain energy levels, and produce good DNA. All very important processes for your daily existence.
The number one symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling tired and lethargic. The B complex vitamins play an important role in carbohydrate digestion and energy production. Without all the proper components, this system can break down and cause these symptoms. If left undiagnosed or untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to a serious medical condition, pernicious anemia. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include; shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, diarrhea, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet, mouth pain, unsteady gait, especially in the dark, tongue problems, smell disturbance, and bleeding gums. A high intake of folic acid can hide a B12 deficiency. This condition is easily solved by adding foods rich in B12 to your diet or by taking supplements. In most cases, vitamin B12 should be taken in conjunction with a folic acid supplement and a B-complex vitamin.
Due to changes in diets and highly processed foods, there has been a significant increase in vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is found in red meat, eggs, dairy, and fish. There are no known sources of vitamin B12 in vegetables. There was a time when it was quite common to feast on organ meat, but it would be difficult to find a fast food restaurant that served steak and kidney pie or liver and onions. Modern diets have led to a decline in nutritionally balanced diets. The highest sources of B12 can be found in shellfish / clams (85 micrograms per 3 oz serving) and beef liver (47 micrograms per 3 oz serving). Overcooking can lead to the breakdown of vitamins. If they’re not to your liking, then salmon, trout, and beef are moderate sources with about 5 micrograms per 3-oz. Serving. Overcooking these foods can significantly reduce the quantity and quality of the nutrients.
If oysters and organ meat are not to your liking, vitamin B12 supplements will work perfectly well. There are several forms of B12, and this list will help you choose the right supplement for your conditions. When in doubt, contact your doctor or use methylcobalamin.
Methylcobalamin It is a coenzyme form of vitamin B12 that is biologically active. This means that your body can use it as is and it does not require any metabolic steps to make it body friendly. The product comes in a sublingual tablet (dissolves under the tongue) because your digestive system modifies the molecule. The sublingual method allows the vitamin to enter your bloodstream directly, providing quick benefits.
Cyanocobalamin It is a synthetic and inactive form of vitamin B12 that requires a series of metabolic processes to obtain any benefit. This can be problematic in people with certain deficiencies and health problems. Unfortunately, this is the most common form of vitamin B12 on the market and is found in most vitamin B complexes.
Hydroxycobalamin it is a non-active form of vitamin B12 and is commonly used as an injectable form. It has a number of benefits depending on your condition. It is recommended for those who are sensitive to cyanide. Hydroxycobalamin helps the body bind to free cyanide by reacting with the molecule to form cyanocobalamin, which can then be excreted from the body. Most people know that cyanide is very toxic, but the body uses it regularly in very small amounts for metabolic processes.
Adenosylcobalamin it is the other coenzyme form of vitamin B12 and is biologically active. This form is generally sold as an injectable form and is only available with a prescription.
Common reasons for vitamin B12 deficiency
There are several reasons why a person may be deficient in vitamin B12. Some people lack the proper intrinsic factor to properly digest this molecule. Many times this will appear at a young age, but it can occur as you get older, however, many times it is not diagnosed correctly.
Vegans can also be deficient because their diet does not allow them to eat animal sources of food. Unfortunately, vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources. Taking B12 supplements will ensure that there are no problems.
It is also recommended that older people take vitamin B12 supplements. Studies have shown that 15% of people over the age of 65 are deficient in vitamin B12. This is caused in part by a decrease in the gastric system, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients. The preferred source of B12 for the elderly is sublingual or injectable forms, as they bypass the digestive systems.
Another culprit for B12 deficiency is gastric acid-blocking products and medications, which can lead to decreased levels of vitamin B12. This is also related to people with malabsorption problems such as celiac disease, low stomach acid levels, or those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery. Any stomach condition can result in poor absorption of nutrients.
For a complete list of conditions, see the vitamin B12 monograph.
Vitamin B12 is a very safe and affordable supplement with real benefits. For anyone who is concerned about their health, proper supplementation can play a huge role. If you have any of the symptoms or conditions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, try taking a coenzyme form of B12, usually methylcobalamin, and a B-complex vitamin with folic acid for a period of two weeks. If you notice any benefits, great, and if not, there was no harm. You should always check with your doctor if your symptoms continue.
An interesting thought about vitamin B12 is that the Romans documented oysters as an aphrodisiac food in the 2nd century. Could it have been that many Romans were deficient in B12, and when they ate the oysters, which are high in B12, they were no longer deficient, resulting in increased energy and youth? C’est possible.
