Essential for the functioning of all cells. Aids in the synthesis of many other nutrients.
Aids in normal growth and development. Vital to the formation of nucleic acids
Vitamin B12 is needed to produce red blood cells and maintain a healthy nervous system. Key nutrient for new growth. Important role in the metabolism of nerve tissue and in maintaining a healthy nervous system, including brain cells. It also plays a role in the health of the spinal cord. Necessary for normal digestion, absorption of foods, protein synthesis and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Powerful blood building factor. It aids in the production of DNA/RNA and red blood cells.
•
Essential for the functioning of all cells, with emphasis on bone marrow, nervous tissue, and gastrointestinal tract. Plays an important role in red blood cells, because of its connection with bone marrow, it is necessary for the formation of the red blood cells. Plays an important role in methylation reactions, and immune system regulation.
Methylcobalamin is one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Evidence indicates methylcobalamin has some metabolic and therapeutic applications not shared by the other forms of vitamin B12.
Methylcobalamin increases alertness and body temperature and may slightly help those with diabetic neuropathy. A better nutrient for this condition is Lipoic Acid.
Methylcobalamin has been found to be helpful in Bell's palsy.
Methylcobalamin lowers levels of homocysteine. Methylcobalamin is the coenzymatically active form of vitamin B12 that acts as a cofactor for methionine synthase in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
Methylcobalamin taken orally is effective in the treatment of pernicious anemia, says a Japanese study.
Methylcobalamin may inhibit the ototoxic (hearing damage) side effects of the antibiotic gentamicin.
History: It is the only vitamin to have a mineral atom in it. The mineral is cobalt.
It is tightly bound to proteins, so a high stomach acidity is required to cut it loose. As we age, the stomach makes less acid.
Technicals: a coenzyme for a critical methyl transfer reaction that converts homocysteine to methionine and for a separate reaction that converts L-methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) to succinyl-CoA.
Aids in the synthesis of many other nutrients such as choline.
Emerging evidence points to B12 deficiency as an increasingly common reason behind high levels of homocysteine in the blood, which in turn are believed to lead to significantly greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, say scientists.
Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidneys, and tissues of the body. Consumed through food sources such as meat, liver, fish, yogurt, and many dairy products, it can also be taken through injections and supplements. B12 helps build red blood cells and keeps the nervous tissues in good shape. testing
Sources: Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, such as meat, shellfish, liver, kidney, muscle, fish, dairy products, meat and eggs.
Synergist: B-Complex, B-6, B-12, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin C
Deficiencies Caused by: B-12 deficiency can in most cases be avoided by eating meat, fish and eggs. Advice for the elderly: Beware of anti-acid drugs!
Another cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia, an auto-immune condition. A vitamin B12 deficiency is found in younger people, particularly in vegetarians, and the condition is prevalent in people with a Helicobacterium pylori infection.
Signs or Symptoms of a Deficiency: Deficiency of the Vitamin B12 can result in pernicious anemia (lower levels of red blood cells) and damage to the nervous system (accompanied by degeneration of the spinal cord), fatigue / lack of energy, weakness, muscle soreness, mental and nervous disorders, poor reflexes, numbness, speaking difficulty and nerve degeneration. A serious lasting side effect from a B-12 deficiency may take years to develop.
Soreness and tingling of the extremities, indicating the deficiency is affecting the nervous system. Megaloblastic anemia, glossitis, anorexia, sensory neuropathy, dementia. Sore tongue, loss of weight, Brain damage over the long period similar to schizophrenia. Shooting pains, "needles and pins" sensations, serious apathy, neuritis, menstrual disturbances. Mental deterioration and paralysis.
Caution: Malabsorption and /or restriction of animal products can lead to deficiency in it.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.