B12 – The Vitality Shot
B12 Deficiency is not uncommon
We can ALL benefit from taking additional B12
B12 deficiency leads to Pernicious Anemia and a long list of other illnesses.
Sub-Optimal levels of B12 can cause an even longer list of problems.
~Heart and Blood Vessel Health
Are you at risk for heart disease?
Have you heard of elevated serum Homocysteine being a risk factor for Stroke and Heart disease?
Do you have an elevated serum Homocysteine level?
Did you know that B12 along with B6 and B9 reduces Homocysteine levels to safe levels?
~Insomnia
Do you have trouble getting to sleep?
Do you awaken in the middle of the night?
Having trouble sleeping all night?
Have you heard of melatonin? [Melatonin regulates our sleep cycles]
Did you know B12 is needed for your body to make melatonin?
~Low Blood pressure
Is your blood pressure less than 120/80?
Do you get light headed when you stand suddenly?
Are you prone to fainting?
Are frequently tired when others are not?
Have your heard that B12 can improve low blood pressure in 2-3 weeks?
~Dieting Issues and Difficulty Losing Weight
Do you have frequent indigestion?
Has your METABOLISM “slowed” down?
Is that extra weight you’ve gained been especially resistant to dieting?
Are you tired all the time?
Does it seem that your hair and nails don’t grow as well as they used to?
Are you a vegetarian or vegan? [Be aware you are at risk for B12 deficiency]
~Brain, Nerve and Pain problems
Do you have ringing in your ears?
Has your ability to hear changed?
Do you or someone you know have neuropathy pain?
Did you know that B12 deficiency can cause neuropathy?
Have you had the shingles and now have persistent pain?
Is your thinking not as clear as it once was?
What about memory lapses or confusion?
Have you had depression?
Do you know anyone with Alzheimer’s MS or Lou Gehrig’s? [B12 can help in many cases]
Did you know that B12 deficiency can “mimic” these conditions? [Resulting in misdiagnosis]
~Fertility and Reproduction
Have you had difficulty getting pregnant? [B12 helps women and men]
Did you know B12 helps with low sperm counts?
Have you had unexplained missed periods? [B12 may be to blame]
Side note here: Low Vitamin C levels can lead to missed periods as well – be suspicious if you are also bruising easily.
~Allergies/Asthma/Skin Problems
Have you had ongoing dermatitis?
Is eczema or psoriasis a condition you have?
Have you had episodes of hives or urticaria?
Have you ever been to the emergency room for your hives?
Do you have episodes of wheezing?
Do you have Asthma or know someone who does?
Have you ever been hospitalized for asthma? [ usually indicates a more serious case]
Did you know people can die of asthma? [Proper diet and nutrition can prevent this] ………………
If you have answered some of these questions in the affirmative you are not alone.
We can all use more B12. Diet First should always be our goal.
Unfortunately, to get optimal amount of B12 supplements are usually necessary if we are lacking.
[Interesting side note: Unlike other B vitamins, we can store B12 for long periods in the kidneys and liver]
Let’s survey some food sources of B12
Diet sources [ Remember ->100 grams = 3.5 ounces and 1000mcg = 1 mg]
Lamb liver contains 100mcper per 100 gram serving [3.5 ounces] Clams 98mcg Calf liver 60 mcg Oysters 18mcg Sardines 17 mcg Eggs 2 mcg Tuna 3mcg Swiss cheese 1.8 [none in American cheese !!] Cheddar cheese 1 mcg
So, as we can see from these examples it can be difficult to achieve optimal levels of B12 from foods alone.
To have an accurate idea of your B12 level a blood test is needed .
Doses for B12 range from 100mcg for the average person to 400mcg in their 60’s .
Progressive doctors use as much as 60 mg or 60,000ncg in some MS patients.
B12 is extremely safe, even in huge doses. No toxicity has ever been reported.
B12 needs to be part of a comprehensive nutrient plan; B complex and B9 are especially important.
You should take 1,000mcg or 1 mg of B9 along with your B12.
I think 1,000mcg or 1 mg of B12 is advisable for the average adult.
There are a few options to consider:
Taking B12 orally works well for most people.
Chewing or letting the tablets dissolve will increase absorption, as do liquid preparations.
There are “activated” versions available [more expensive and usually unnecessary]
Some conditions demand quicker results , so an injection of B12 may better with more severe neuropathy, symptomatic asthma, acute viral infections [like hepatitis].
Remember……
Take a B complex supplement along with your B12.
Do not take B12 without also taking B9 [folate] to avoid masking a B9 deficiency.
Elevated serum Homocysteine has emerged as a BIG risk factor for heart disease, stroke and a list of other conditions.
The good news is that B6, B9 and B12 supplementation reliably drops Homocysteine into a healthy zone.
It is important to take the B vitamins together; as in a B Complex supplement, “B100” or “B150” are common formulations.
It is best to take the B’s twice a day.
Sugar depletes the B vitamins.
Studies show it is difficult to get enough B vitamins from foods alone.
Take a quality Multiple vitamin/mineral supplement [ask for a product with chelated minerals]
Feel free to message me or leave a comment or concern. [Or if you have a topic that interests you]
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