Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin
What Is It?
A water soluble vitamin containing the mineral cobalt. Discovered in the 1930’s simultaneously by researchers in the USA and UK but it was not until 1956 that the chemical structure was revealed. Of all the vitamins B12 is the one that is not contained within natural foods - it is made by microorganisms, bacteria and fungi. B12 is stored in the liver and required in very small amounts.
There have been many debates around the food supplement spirulina with many raw foodists, and vegans believing this algae, as well as other sea vegetables contain this precious vitamin. However, it has yet to be proved scientifically so at the moment the choice is down to the individual.
B12 works well in conjunction with B9 folate. This vitamin needs to be combined with vita-min C to benefit the body properly. The absorption of B12 is also dependent on a protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor.
Vitamin B12 is destroyed by cooking and leached out in water. Anti gout and anticoagulant drugs as well as potassium supplements and people who lack intrinsic factor can block absorption. Alcohol, smoking and a lack of stomach acid or sunlight, can also deplete B12.
Why Do We Need It?
Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of all cells, it is involved in energy, metabolism, immune and nerve function. It is needed to make red blood cells and for making use of protein. It is helpful for fatigue, depression, asthma, and infertility.
Vitamin B12 is needed to maintain the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve cells which is so important in the prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS). It helps in the utilisation of Iron, digestion and absorption of food, increases appetite in children, improves concentration, memory and balance.
Deficiency Symptoms
It can take years for a deficiency to manifest. Deficiency is not usually from lack of intake but rather lack of absorption, which is common in the elderly and affects mainly the brain and nervous system.
Deficiency symptoms include: Depression, pins and needles, poor memory, diarrhoea, heart palpitations, apathy, poor hair condition, eczema or dermatitis, mouth over-sensitive to heat or cold, irritability, anxiety or tension, lack of energy, constipation, tender or sore muscles, pale skin. Most acute deficiencies include loss of co-ordination and senile dementia. Pernicious anaemia (common over 60 yrs of age) results from inadequate absorption of B12. abnormal gait, bone loss, dizziness, liver enlargement, eye disorders, memory loss, moodiness, gastrointestinal problems, numbness, psychosis, spinal cord degeneration, headaches and irritability.
Where Can We Find It?
Believed only to be found in meat and dairy products but thought by many to be found in sea vegetables, spirulina and wheatgrass. It can also be found in the herbs, alfalfa, blad-derwrack and hops.
Be Aware...
If you are taking mega doses of vitamin C this can wash out B12 as well as folic acid.
Studies/Research
Clinical studies have been shown to be beneficial in nail and hair health, diabetes and birth defects due to supplementation of Biotin.
Please Note
Vitamin B12 has been researched and studied extensively with most researchers agreeing a need for supplementation, especially for vegans, vegetarians, raw foodists and the elderly. However there are others who are happy to rely on sea vegetables and food supplements like spirulina, sea vegetables and bee pollen to obtain sufficient supplies of B12. The reader is encouraged to look at all points of view and come down on what makes sense to you.
Research has shown that people suffering with alzheimer's are low on B12
References
Vitamins and Minerals DeMystified - Dr Steve Blake
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch CNC
www.naturalways.com
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Melvyn R. Werbach M.D.
Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements
New Optimum Nutrition Bible - Patrick Holford
The Vitamin Bible - Earl Mindell
The World’s Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
www.lpi.oregonstate.edu
www.livescience.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.veganhealth.org
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.