Benefits Of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Supplementation

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Please consider this free-reprint article written by:

Darcy O'Neil

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Article Title: Benefits Of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Supplementation

Author: Darcy O'Neil

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One of the most overlooked supplements on the market is Vitamin

B12.Your body needs this vitamin, in combination with other B

vitamins, to maintain a healthy nervous system, maintain energy

levels and production of good DNA. All very important processes

to your everyday existence.

The number one symptom for Vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling

tired and lethargic. The B-Complex vitamins play an important

role in carbohydrate digestion and energy production. Without

all of the proper components this system can breakdown and

cause a these symptoms. If left without diagnosis or treatment,

B12 deficiency can lead to a serious medical condition,

Pernicious Anemia. The symptoms of B12 deficiency include;

shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, loss of

appetite, diarrhea, tingling and numbness of hands and feet,

sore mouth, unsteady gait, especially in the dark, tongue

problems, impaired smell and bleeding gums. A high intake of

Folic Acid can hide B12 deficiency. This condition is easily

fixed by adding B12 rich foods to your diet or taking

supplements. In most cases, Vitamin B12 should be taken in

conjunction with a Folic Acid supplement and a B-Complex

vitamin.

Because of changing diets, and highly processed food, there has

been a significant increase in Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin

B12 is found in red meat, eggs, dairy and fish. There are no

know sources of Vitamin B12 in vegetables. At one time it was

quite common to feast on organ meat, but you would be hard

press to find a fast food restaurant serving steak and kidney

pie or liver and onions! The modern diets has led to a decline

in nutritionally balanced diets. The highest sources of B12 can

be found in mollusks/clams (85 micrograms per 3oz portion) and

beef liver (47 micrograms per 3oz portion). Over cooking can

lead to the breakdown of the vitamins. If those are not to you

your liking then salmon, trout and beef are moderate sources

with about 5 micrograms per 3 oz portion. Over cooking these

foods can significantly reduce the quantity and quality of

nutrients.

If oysters and organ meat are not to your liking then Vitamin

B12 supplements will work perfectly well. There are a number of

forms of B12, and this list will help you pick the proper

supplement for your conditions. When in doubt, contact your

doctor or use Methylcobalamin.

Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 which is

biologically active. This means that your body can use it as

is, and does not require any metabolic steps to make it body

friendly. The product comes in a sublingual tablet(dissolves

under your tongue) because your digestive system modifies the

molecule. The sublingual method allows the vitamin to directly

enter your bloodstream, providing rapid benefits.

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, and inactive, form of Vitamin

B12 that requires a number of metabolic processes to gain any

benefit. This can be problematic in people with certain

deficiencies and health issues. Unfortunately, this is the most

common form of Vitamin B12 on the market and is found in most

Vitamin B-Complex’s.

Hydroxycobalamin is a non-active form of Vitamin B12 and is

used commonly as an injectable form. It has a number of

benefits depending on your condition. It is recommended for

those who have cyanide sensitivity. Hydroxycobalamin helps the

body bind free cyanide, by reacting with the molecule to form

cyanocobalamin, which can then be excreted from the body. Most

people are aware that cyanide is highly toxic, but the body

regularly uses it in very small quantities for metabolic

processes.

Adenosylcobalamin is the other coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 and

is biologically active. This form is usually sold as an

injectable form and only available by prescription.

Common Reasons for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

There are a number of reasons why a person may have Vitamin B12

deficiency. Some people lack the proper intrinsic factor to

properly digest this molecule. Many times this will show up at

a young age but may occur as you age, however many times it is

not diagnosed properly.

Vegan’s also may be deficient because their diet does not allow

them to eat sources of food derived from animals. Unfortunately,

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources. Taking supplements

of B12 will ensure that there are no issues.

It is also recommended that elderly people take Vitamin B12

supplements. It has been shown in studies that 15% of people

over 65 have Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is partially caused

by a decline in the gastric system, which results in poor

absorption of nutrients. The preferred source of B12 for the

elderly is sublingual or injectable forms, since they bypass

the digestive systems.

Another culprits for B12 deficiency is gastric acid-blocking

products and medication, which can lead to decreased vitamin

B12 levels. This is also related to people with malabsorption

conditions such as Celiac disease, low stomach acid or those

who have had stomach or intestinal surgery. Any stomach

condition may result in poor absorption of nutrients.

Vitamin B12 is a very safe, and affordable, supplement with

real benefits. For anyone that is concerned about their health,

proper supplementation can play a very important role. If you

have any of the symptoms or conditions associated with Vitamin

B12 deficiency try taking a coenzyme form of B12, usually

Methylcobalamin, and a B-Complex Vitamin with Folic Acid for a

two week period. If you notice any benefits, great, and if not

there was no harm done. You should always check with your

doctor if your symptoms continue.

One interesting thought about Vitamin B12 is that oysters were

documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second

century. Could it have been that many Romans were deficient in

B12, and when they ate the oysters, which are high in B12, they

were no longer deficient resulting in an increase in energy and

youthfulness? It’s possible.

About The Author: Darcy S. O'Neil has spent over 9 years

working in the chemistry and pharmaceutical industry. During

this time he became a pharmaceutical whistleblower

(http://www.snakeoil.ca) and now spends his time writing about

his experience (http://www.monograph.ca), and working in the

Food & Beverage Industry as a bartender.

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