Vitamin B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt
Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases vitamin B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in foods that come from animals, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Fortified breakfast cereals are a particularly valuable source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians.
Arthur Winter,M.D., coauthor of the book Smart Food, reports that Vitamin B12 injections can fight Alzheimer's disease, depression and panic disorders
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur as a result of an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food and in strict vegetarian. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12. Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early vitamin B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later.
Signs and symptoms, associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.
Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.
Individuals with pernicious anemia or with gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from or require a vitamin B12 supplement.
Older adults and vegetarians may benefit from a vitamin B12 supplement or an increased intake of foods fortified with vitamin B12.
Some medications may decrease absorption of vitamin B12. Chronic use of those medications may result in a need for additional vitamin.
Hydrochloric acid helps release vitamin B12 from the protein in food. This must occur before vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor and is absorbed in the intestines. Atrophic gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach, decreases the secretion of gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid. Less hydrochloric acid can result in poor absorption of vitamin B12. Decreased hydrochloric acid secretion also results in growth of normal bacteria in the small intestines. The bacteria may take up vitamin B12 for their own use, further contributing to a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Up to 30 percent of adults aged 50 years and older may have atrophic gastritis, an increased growth of intestinal bacteria, and be unable to normally absorb vitamin B12 in food. They are, however, able to absorb the synthetic vitamin B12 added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements and fortified foods may be the best sources of vitamin B12 for adults older than age 50 years.
Researchers have long been interested in the potential connection between vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia. A recent review examined correlations between cognitive skills, homocysteine levels, and blood levels of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. The authors suggested that vitamin B12 deficiency may decrease levels of substances needed for the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit nerve signals. Reduced levels of neurotransmitters may result in cognitive impairment.
Proton Pump Inhibitor(PPI) medications can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption from food by slowing the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach. This is a concern because hydrochloric acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food prior to absorption. So far, however, there is no evidence that these medications promote vitamin B12 deficiency, even after long-term use.
Metformin, a drug to treat diabetes, may interfere with calcium metabolism This may indirectly reduce vitamin B12 absorption because vitamin B12 absorption requires calcium. Surveys suggest that from 10% to 30% of patients taking Metformin have evidence of reduced vitamin B12 absorption.
Folic acid can correct the anemia that is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Unfortunately, folic acid will not correct the nerve damage also caused by vitamin B12 deficiency [1,36]. Permanent nerve damage can occur if vitamin B12 deficiency is not treated. Folic acid intake from food and supplements should not exceed 1,000 μg daily in healthy individuals because large amounts of folic acid can trigger the damaging effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. Adults older than 50 years who take a folic acid supplement should ask their physician or qualified health care provider about their need for additional vitamin B12.
Ask your doctor if monthly Vitamin B12 injections would be a good idea for you .
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