| Vitamin B12 also called
Cyanocobalamin, is needed to prevent anemia. It aids folic acid in regulating
the formation of red blood cells, and helps in the utilization of iron.
This vitamin is also required for proper digestion, absorption of foods,
the synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It
aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. In addition, vitamin B12 prevents
nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth and
development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve
endings. Vitamin B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a
neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by
malabsorption, which is most common in elderly people and in those with
digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal gait, chronic fatigue,
constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness,
enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches, tongue
inflammation, irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness,
nervousness, neurological damage, palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in
the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict vegetarians must remember
that they require vitamin B12 supplementation, as this vitamin is found almost
exclusively in animal tissues. Although people adopting a strictly vegetarian
diet may not see signs of the deficiency for some time, the body can store up to
five years worth of vitamin B12-signs will eventually develop.
Experts agree that the essential nutrient Vitamin B-12 often increases energy
and improves memory, appetite and digestion. It is an absolute must for the
maintenance of a healthy nervous system and is considered by many to play an
important role as an anti-aging nutrient. Many of the functions of vitamin
B-12, such as building blood cells, promoting DNA synthesis, naturally
interfering with inflammation and strengthening the immune system are
fundamental to a healthy body. Thousands of doctors have given Vitamin B12
to help people cope with stress, depression and exhaustion to name only a
few. A study actually demonstrated that vitamin B12 injections increased the
sperm count in 27% of men participating with low levels.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency a problem at any Age
Still other recent studies have indicated that even the young may be at risk
for the deleterious effects of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. A recent report
suggested that children fed a low vitamin B-12 diet in early childhood had
greater learning problems in later childhood and the teen years (Am J Clin Nutr).
This study suggested that in some children, learning ability may be related to a
deficiency of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin for the young
and old alike. Despite the extremely minute amounts of vitamin B-12 required by
the body to prevent deficiency, certain population groups may be at risk for
inadequate dietary intake and therefore deficiency.
|
Advertisements
Natural Health
Products
click here to read more
|