Friday, September 1, 2017

Do you understand the role Vitamin B12 plays in your body?

I never understood the importance of B12 until a friend of mine was told he needed a B12 Shot. So, I did some research, here is what I found, and I thought it was interesting to share. Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in many functions in the body, including:

DNA synthesis
energy production
nerve cell health
red blood cell formation
neurological function

B12 is present in many food sources (mainly animal-based), where it is bound to the protein molecules in that food.

Vitamin B12 is separated from the protein during digestion and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Adequate stomach acid is required to release the vitamin from the protein, and a substance called intrinsic factor is necessary to ensure its absorption.

People who are unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly may have pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor.

The average daily intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for men and women over 14. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require slightly more, at 2.6 mcg and 2.8 mcg, respectively.

People with signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency
Anyone who is displaying any of the signs and symptoms of a B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia should consult their doctor immediately.

Some common signs and symptoms include:
decreased cognitive function, such as issues with memory or understanding
fatigue
lethargy
constipation
feeling faint
depression or irritability
headache
difficulty maintaining balance
sore, swollen tongue, which may be pale yellow or very red
heart palpitations
mouth ulcers
paraesthesia (pins and needles)
vision changes

B12 and Older Adults
Research suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency affects a greater number of older adults than those under the age of 65.

Older adults can be affected by conditions that are linked to a decrease in stomach acid production, including inflammation in the stomach (atrophic gastritis).

Furthermore, lower levels of stomach acid can encourage the growth of certain bacteria in the gut that uses B12, reducing the amount of the vitamin available to the body.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over 50 meet their vitamin B12 needs with fortified foods, B12 shots, or other supplements, as these man-made forms appear to be more readily absorbed than naturally occurring B12.

B12 deficiency risk factors
Both diabetes and some medications for type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Also, the following risk factors can increase the chance of developing vitamin B12 deficiency:

alcohol abuse
smoking
certain prescription medications, including antacids and some type 2 diabetes drugs
having an endocrine-related autoimmune disorder, such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder
eating a vegetarian or vegan diet
certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease
gastric bypass or the removal of parts of the stomach
aging

Drug interactions
Never start, stop or change your supplement routine, without checking you’re your doctor. Vitamin B12 may interact with certain medications. People must always inform their doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs they are taking before receiving a B12 shot.

Some commonly prescribed medications that may interact with B12 include:

Aspirin
antibiotics
H2 receptor antagonists
metformin
oral contraceptives
proton pump inhibitors

Allergy and medical conditions
Those who have allergies or medical conditions should always inform their doctor before receiving a B12 shot. Examples of allergies or conditions that may interact with B12 shots include:

allergy to cyanocobalamin or cobalt
hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
kidney disease
polycythemia vera (a rare blood disorder)
Leber's disease (an eye disease)
deficiencies in other nutrients, particularly folic acid and iron

There are several reasons to consider getting a B12 shot, including:

Reduced risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and associated complications

The most obvious benefit of receiving vitamin B12 shots is treating a vitamin B12 deficiency and avoiding its associated symptoms.

In addition, B12 shots reduce the risk of some serious complications associated with vitamin B12 deficiency including:

heart disease
neurocognitive disorders
coordination problems (ataxia)
peripheral neuropathy
vision loss
infertility (although this usually resolves with B12 treatment)
neural tube defects in the babies of women with B12 deficiency
High levels of assimilation by the body

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