October
2007
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) has got some major clout in the human body. Not just any old vitamin gets special glands in the stomach and specific receptors in the Ileum just to absorb Vitamin B12. And the Intrinsic Factor is not a Sci-Fi movie. But to get proper absorption of Vitamin B12 all three factors play an important part. It starts in the stomach where the acids begin to break down and separate the Vitamin B12 from the other proteins. Special stomach glands produce the Intrinsic Factor that must be present and bind to the Vitamin B12 in order for it to be absorbed. From the stomach, the combination of Vitamin B12/Intrinsic Factor travels to the far end of the small intestine called the Ileum where special receptors absorb the combination. From there the Vitamin B12 and Intrinsic Factor combination is transported to the liver and stored. Interrupting any one of these functions may place a person at an increased risk of developing a Vitamin B12 deficiency. And a Vitamin B12 deficiency is one that sneaks up on you without defined symptoms.
Vitamin B12 is important for metabolizing carbohydrate, fat, and proteins, it is a coenzyme for creating DNA material, and it promotes growth and cell development of nerve, skin, hair, and blood cells. Increased consumption of Vitamin B12 is used in treating Alzheimer?s disease, may help in treating nervous disorders, can improve the immune system, and has promoted an increase in energy and memory. Vitamin B12 is not found in the plants we consume but meat, fish, eggs, and diary products are a good source.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to a wide variety of serious problems. The most common sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency is anemia, the slow down of red blood cell production from bone marrow. High blood levels of homocysteine, which is associated with heart attacks and strokes, may also be created by a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Both anemia and the elevated levels of homocysteine can be treated and corrected. The scary condition from a Vitamin B12 deficiency is the irreversible and permanent neurological damage that may occur. This includes memory loss, diminished mental capacity, and cognitive difficulties.
Lack of Vitamin B12 absorption can be caused by many reasons. Age and the over use of antacids is common, surgeries on the stomach can inhibit the production of Intrinsic Factors, or surgery in the small bowels at the Ileum may interfere with the special receptors needed for absorption. Pancreatic problems, alcohol and tobacco, and some autoimmune diseases block or hinder either absorption or the production of the Intrinsic Factor. In the cases of surgeries or pernicious anemia most patients will have regular Vitamin B12 injections to supplement from the lack of being able to absorb naturally.
Since Vitamin B12 is found in the meat food group only, vegetarians are highly recommended to supplement Vitamin B12. For most healthy adults Vitamin B12 is usually available from a good diet with a daily multivitamin for insurance. With toxicity levels being very high for Vitamin B12 getting a little extra is not going to hurt anything but large doses have not proved to be beneficial unless recommended by a medical professional for a particular reason.