HealthyNutrition.me

by, S. Steve Dounis

Vitamin B12 contains the largest and most complex chemical structure of all the vitamins. As one of the eight water soluable B vitamins it plays a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is unique in that it contains a metal ion, cobalt, and is referred to as cobalamin. Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyandenosylcobalamin (5-DAC) are the forms of the vitamin used in the human body. Most of the B12 supplements use the form cyanocobalamin which converts to methylcobalamin and 5-DAC in the body. This vital vitamin is found only in protein from animals.

The elderly, those over 50 years of age, and vegetarians may benefit most from a vitamin B12 supplement. As we grow older our bodies lose the ability to absorb nutrients due to poor digestion. These factors can be remedied by healthy diets that also include probiotics. As for vegetarians who do not eat any meat products, B12 supplementation is imperative.

Vital Importance

Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell of our bodies, especially affecting DNA (DeoxyriboNucleicAcid, the carrier of genetic information) synthesis and regulations, as well as fatty acid synthesis. The methycobalamin is required for function of the enzyme, methionine synthase, which is reponsible for the methylation of sites within DNA and RNA (RiboNucleicAcid, involved in protein synthesis), and is important in cancer prevention. An inadequate   function of methionine synthase may lead to accumulation of homocysteine, which may lead to heart disease and other conditions.

The fatty acid synthesis and energy production is the role of 5-DAC required by the enzyme that converts L-methymalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA. This plays an important role in the production of energy from fats and proteins. Succinyl-CoA is required for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells.

All of thes syntheses are accomplished by bacteria in the body (another reason for digesting probiotics). As stated, B12 is naturally found bound to the protein in food that comes from animals, including fish, meat, poultry, milk, milk products, but especially in liver and shellfish. The hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases the B12 from the food proteins during digestion. The vitamin is then combined with a substance produced by normal gastrointestinal mucosa called the intrinsic factor (IF), that facilitates absorption. This combination is then absorbed by the intestinal tract and then into the body being transferre to transcobalamin II, serving as the plasma transmitter of the B12.

Because of the complicated absorption process, many elderly are reduced to having painful and expensive B12 shots. Fortunatley, Dr. Alfred Libby, M.D., invented the sublingual (under the tongue) method of taking vitamin B12. Dr. Libby also includes the B12 in combination with vitamin B6 and Folic Acid. Dr. Libby was a pioneer in nutrients and health, and an associate of Linus Pauling, Phd., the two-time Nobel Laureate and “father of vitamin C”.

Protects Brain Shrinkage

In the September 9, 2008, issue of Neurology, a study, authored by Anna Vogiatzoglou, MSC, with the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, was conducted with 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87. The study found that people with higher levels of vitamin B12 were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage which leads to memory loss. Vitamin B12 defiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible brain and nerve damage.

Causes of Deficiences

Besides vegetarians, most people who are deficient in B12 have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits absorption. Age, stomach surgery, including gastric bypass, plus digestive and pancreatic disorders are also common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. As mentioned above about Dr. Libby, a good source for any of these situations is in the sublingual supplements that go directly into the blood stream, thereby bypassing the digestive route.

Benefits of Sublingual Version

Diet, oral tablets, and B12 injections are the main sources of obtaining vitamin B12. Diet and oral tablets may not be absorbed effectively and the injections are costly, embarrassing, and painful. In sublingual form, B12 is absorbed through the mucous membrane under the tongue and into the sublingual vein where it is carried by blood circulation throughout the entire body in about 30 minutes.

No Known Adverse Effects

The Institute of Medicine of the National Acadamies (IMA) found that vitamin B12 has a very low potential for toxicity stating that, “no adverse effects have been associated with excessive intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals”. The IMA recommends that adults over 50 need to get their B12 from vitamin supplements due to poor absorption in obtaining it from animal sources. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), developed by the IMA, recommends that adults take from 2 to 3 micrograms per day. The body can store B12, mainly in the liver, for long periods of time. Some supplements may contain as much 1,000 micorgrams.

In Conclusion

The B Vitamins are nature’s “feel good” vitamins, giving you sustained mental energy, improved mood, mental focus and clarity, improved memory and nerve sheath repair. Vitamin B12 cannot be found in plants. It is the only B vitamin that comes from animal protein. The sublingual form may be tied together with vitamin B6 and Folic Acid, giving you energy, improved memory, protection from Alzhimer’s disease, and reducing heart disease risks by lowering homocysteine levles. Not only the elderly and vegetarians, but all of us benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation.

May 15th, 2009 | Tags: sublingual B12, Vitamin B12 | Category: Vitamin B12 | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL