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Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B12 also called Cyanocobalamin, is needed to prevent anemia. It aids
folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells,
and helps in the utilization of iron. This vitamin is also required for proper
digestion, absorption of foods,
the synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. In addition, vitamin B12 prevents nerve damage, maintains
fertility, and promotes normal growth
and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. Vitamin B12 is linked to the production of
acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that
assists memory and learning.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most common in elderly people and
in those with digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal gait, chronic
fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches,
tongue inflammation, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness, nervousness,
neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict vegetarians must remember that they require vitamin B12 supplementation,
as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal tissues. Although people adopting a strictly vegetarian
diet may not see signs of the deficiency for some
time, the body can store up to five years worth of vitamin B12-signs will
eventually develop.
Experts agree that the essential nutrient Vitamin B-12
often increases energy and improves memory, appetite and digestion. It is an absolute must for
the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is considered by many to play an important role as an anti-aging
nutrient. Many of the functions of vitamin B-12, such as
building blood cells, promoting DNA synthesis, naturally
interfering with inflammation and strengthening the
immune system are fundamental to a healthy body.
Thousands of doctors have given Vitamin B12 to help
people cope with stress, depression
and exhaustion to name only a few. A
study actually demonstrated that vitamin B12 injections
increased the sperm count in 27% of men
participating with low levels.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency a problem at any Age
Still other recent studies have indicated that even the young may be
at risk for the deleterious effects of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. A
recent report suggested that children fed a low vitamin B-12 diet in
early childhood had greater learning problems in later childhood and the
teen years (Am J Clin Nutr). This study suggested that in some children,
learning ability may be related to a deficiency of vitamin B-12. Vitamin
B-12 is an essential vitamin for the young and old alike. Despite the
extremely minute amounts of vitamin B-12 required by the body to prevent
deficiency, certain population groups may be at risk for inadequate
dietary intake and therefore deficiency.
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