Vitamin
B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is a very important member of the family of B-vitamins. It
is a complex, water-soluble
vitamin that also contains cobalt, a
metallic ion. Vitamin
B12 is absorbed through the gastrointestinal system and interestingly, the liver is able to store adequate supplies
of it, making deficiencies rare. However, those who have stomach problems that make absorption troublesome, or seniors, can end up with
a deficiency even though they consume the right foods or get adequate supplies via supplementation.
Well known as the "energy vitamin", adequate levels of Vitamin B12 or
Cyanocobalamin
have been shown to increase alertness, reduce tiredness and leave people feeling overall invigorated.
One of the most important functions of Vitamin B12 is its ability to
work in conjunction with Folic Acid in the production of DNA. Because of the way it is able to recycle certain enzymes, it plays a
significant role in maintaining the proper functioning of cells, blood and nerves. An imbalance of either Vitamin B9 or B12 can negatively
impact the way red blood cells divide and lead to a condition known as pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B12 also works to reduce levels of homocysteine, the amino acids that can damage artery walls and increase a person's risk of
developing heart disease. Vitamin B12 is also responsible for ensuring that nerve cells function properly. It's also possible that Vitamin B12
can treat symptoms associated with a loss of calcium including osteoporosis and damage to the teeth. This vitamin may even be able to
relieve some symptoms of depression.
Sources of
Vitamin B12
Animal liver is the best source of Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin). It is
particularly important to note that Vitamin B12 is not found in plant
tissue. Those who consume a vegan or vegetarian-style diet would be
well advised to supplement this all-important vitamin. Other good
sources of this vitamin include liver, fish, eggs, cheese and meat.
Cereals, plant milk, soy products and brewer's yeast that have been
fortified with B12 are also good sources, especially for those who
consume a vegetarian diet.
For adults, 3 micrograms is the required daily intake of this vitamin.
However, since this vitamin has no toxic side effects, consuming more
can help ensure an adequate production of red blood cells and can help
prevent birth defects.
There are many perfectly acceptable Vitamin B12 supplements available, my personal favorite being the
Vitamin B Complex from Shaklee.
Symptoms of
a Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency develop gradually, usually not
becoming apparent for at least a year and oftentimes longer. Anemia is
the first sign that the body is not getting an adequate supply of
Vitamin B12.
Other symptoms of this type of deficiency include a sore tongue,
trouble with memory or concentration that can result in confusion, an
overall feeling of tiredness, irritability, diminished appetite,
tingling, numbness, diarrhea, problems associated with poor circulation
and development of a yellowish tint on the skin.
Brain damage and deterioration of the nervous system are also possible
symptoms that can result from this type of deficiency. In addition, a
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause homocysteine
levels to increase which
puts an individual at higher risk for development of heart and/or
coronary disease.
Viatmin B12
Deficiency and Dementia in Seniors
Recent studies indicate that a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be quite
common in seniors, as their nutritional habits tend to slip a little
anyway, and the body of a senior is less efficient at extracting and
using the nutrient. This deficiency, with which even I, at
age 64, was recently diagnosed, has been linked to early onset of
dementia, and perhaps even to Alzheimer's.
Buy
Vitamin B12 online at GNC
Buy
Vitamin B Complex online from Shaklee
About the
Author
Donovan
Baldwin is a freelance SEO copywriter and lifelong fitness fan livng in the Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas area.
He is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service, has worked
as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and
instructor. He is a University of West Florida alumnus (BA Accounting
1973) and has been a member of Mensa for several years. He has written
and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the
last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the
'70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper's
"Aerobics". This has led him to continue his personal research into
health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on the
subjects of health and fitness, including yoga,
which he has included in his exercise practices for years. He blogs about
Senior Exercise and Fitness After 40 at http://fitness-after-40.blogspot.com.
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