Re: vitamin levels

[Guest guest]

Must be careful with B12 deficiency as nerve damage can be permanent

even after the deficiency is handled.

B12 is interesting in that the only source we have is either red meat

or pills or injection. The original source is bacterial in the soil,

which is picked up by reuminating animals, such as cattle. The

metabolism of B12 from the oral route is interesting that it must be

combined in the stomach with a protein known as " intrinsic factor "

that is produced by stomach tissues, in the correct pH level.

True " pernicious anemia " , a major anemia due to lack of intrinsic

factor production, is caused when a person does not produce IF. In

those cases the only way to get the B12 into the body is via

injection, bypassing the B12/IF complexation. Any B12 injested not

combined with IF is just wasted out the bowel. Other forms are where

there is a malabsorbtion of the B12/IF complex in the small

intestines. So, people with Chron's disease may have B12

deficiency. Good news for those with normal IF production in the

stomach and normal Intestinal absorbtion is that the B12 is actually

recycled back into the stream and with enough IF, so dietary

decrease, it takes awhile before you run out.

Have not kept up, but last I know there also was a condition

where autoantibodies were produced against Intrinsic Factor (IF).

So, it could be another of those cross over things we are seeing.

So, tests used are B12 levels, Shillings Test to check for IF

availability and Anti Intrinsic Factor antibody to look if an

antibody is using up all the IF so the B12 has nothing to bind to.

Then there is always the " who cares why " but replace with regular

injections usually resolves the problem. Diff Docs have different

thoughts, so always bring to your docs and follow their advice.

See, the mind is still here and funtioning.

Fuzzy

>

> Hi ,

> B-12 actually helps you make new red blood cells, that carry oxygen

to your body. Low B-12 causes several different forms of anemia. It

is

interesting that your Still's symptoms get worse when you have taken

B-

12. I am sure thats why your docs are baffled. Low B-12 causes

tiredness, fatigue, weakness, and if it stays low for to long can

cause

nerve damage.

>