Are You Deficient in Vitamin B-12??

Vitamin B 12 comes in several forms. Not all forms are equally effective. The most effective form is methylcobalamin. However, the most common form is cyanocobalamin, because it is easier to manufacture and is therefore less expensive.

Methylcobalamin is active in the growth and protection of the nervous system. Larger quantities are especially necessary to protect against neurological deterioration as we age. Vitamin B12 , in the methylcobalamin form, may help prevent Parkinson’s disease and slow the progression in those who already have the disease by protecting against neural toxicity caused by excess L-dopa, a probable cause of the disease. The vitamin has been shown to reverse the symptoms of such rare neurological diseases as Bell’s palsy and shows promise in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. Very few substances are known to have any impact on regenerating damaged nerves in humans. However, a 1994 study in the Journal of Neurological Science suggested hat the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 could increase the synthesis of certain proteins that help regenerate nerves. The study showed that very high doses of methylocobalmin produced nerve regeneration in rats.

Vitamin B12 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, and the metabolism for 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.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most common in older adults and in people with digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal gait, bone loss, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, headaches (including migraines), inflammation of the tongue, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness, nervousness, neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration.

Most studies show that taking a sublingual form of B-12 is the best way for your body to absorb the vitamin. Foods with the largest amounts of vitamin B12 are found in meats, cheese, poultry, yogurt, eggs, sea greens, nutritional yeast and fish.

As always, if there are any questions or concerns that you may have you can contact us at 419-375-2659 or e-mail us at schlarmanshealth@gmail.com!