Vitamin B12 monograph - rodpub.com

1 Vitamin B12 Natural Standard Bottom Line monograph , Copyright 2009 ( ). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies.

2 Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

3 Related Terms: B-12, B Complex, B Complex Vitamin , bedumil, cobalamin, cobalamins, cobamin, cyanocobalamin, cyanocobalaminum, cycobemin, hydroxocobalamin, hydroxocobalaminum, hydroxocobemine, idrossocobalamina, methylcobalamin, vitadurin, Vitamin B-12. Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble Vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods such as fish, shellfish, meat, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins in a Vitamin B complex formulation. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.

4 Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. The human body stores several years' worth of Vitamin B12, so nutritional deficiency of this Vitamin is extremely rare. Elderly are the most at risk. However, deficiency can result from being unable to use Vitamin B12. Inability to absorb Vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract can be caused by a disease known as pernicious anemia.

5 Additionally, strict vegetarians or vegans who are not taking in proper amounts of B12 are also prone to a deficiency state. A day's supply of Vitamin B12 can be obtained by eating 1 chicken breast plus 1 hard-boiled egg plus 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, or 1 cup milk plus 1 cup raisin bran. Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. Grade* Megaloblastic anemia - due to Vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency is a cause of megaloblastic anemia.

6 In this type of anemia, red blood cells are larger than normal and the ratio of nucleus size to cell cytoplasm is increased. There are other potential causes of megaloblastic anemia, including folate deficiency or various inborn metabolic disorders. If the cause is B12 deficiency, then treatment with B12 is the standard approach. Patients with anemia should be evaluated by a physician in order to diagnose and address the underlying cause. A folate deficiency or various inborn metabolic disorders. If the cause is B12 deficiency, then treatment with B12 is the standard approach.

7 Patients with anemia should be evaluated by a physician in order to diagnose and address the underlying cause. Vitamin B12 deficiency Studies have shown that a deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to abnormal neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms may include: ataxia (shaky movements and unsteady gait), muscle weakness, spasticity, incontinence, hypotension (low blood pressure), vision problems, dementia, psychoses, and mood disturbances. Researchers report that these symptoms may occur when Vitamin B12 levels are just slightly lower than normal and are considerably above the levels normally associated with anemia.

8 People at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency include strict vegetarians, elderly people, and people with increased Vitamin B12 requirements associated with pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, malignancy, liver or kidney disease. Administering Vitamin B12 orally, intramuscularly, or intranasally is effective for preventing and treating dietary Vitamin B12 deficiency. A Pernicious anemia Pernicious anemia (blood abnormality) is a form of anemia that occurs when there is an absence of intrinsic factor, a substance normally present in the stomach.

9 Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor before it is absorbed and used by the body. An absence of intrinsic factor prevents normal absorption of B12 and may result in pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia treatment is usually lifelong; supplemental Vitamin B12 given intramuscularly, intranasally, or by mouth. A Alzheimer's disease Some patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have abnormally low Vitamin B12 levels in their blood. However, Vitamin B12 deficiency itself often causes disorientation and confusion and thus mimics some of the prominent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

10 Well-designed clinical trials are needed before a strong recommendation can be made. C Angioplasty Some evidence suggests that folic acid plus Vitamin B12 and pyridoxine daily can decrease the rate of restenosis in patients treated with balloon angioplasty. But this combination does not seem to be as effective for reducing restenosis in patients after coronary stenting. Due to the lack of evidence of benefit and potential for harm, this combination of vitamins should not be recommended for patients receiving coronary stents. C Breast cancer Researchers at Johns Hopkins University report that women with breast cancer tend to have lower Vitamin B12 levels in their blood serum than do women without breast cancer.