5 Scary Side Effects of a B-12 Deficiency

B vitamins support normal functions performed by the brain and nervous system, support adrenal function. Vitamin B-12 is also required for critical metabolic processes like DNA synthesis, production of neurotransmitters, energy production and is required for the development of red blood cells.

Vitamin B-12 is found in animal-derived foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry and fish. Diets that limit these foods and/or poor absorption may lead to a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Prolonged Vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to serious mental[2] and physical symptoms[1], such as:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Personality and mood changes
• Memory Loss
• Dementia

Although deficiency can present differently for everyone, there are four basic stages:

Stage 1:

This is the earliest stage, so there are no noticeable signs or symptoms of deficiency. However, low levels can be detected through a blood test.

Stage 2:

Low blood levels of B-12 are detectable, and cellular dysfunction begins to set in. Some symptoms may start to be present.

Stage 3:

Neurological, psychological and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as indigestion and discomfort, may be present in this phase. Also, without sufficient levels of Vitamin B-12, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (HCY) build up in the body. An elevated level of HCY in blood is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease[3] and should be monitored by a physician.

Stage 4:

The final and most severe stage of B-12 deficiency can lead to lasting damage[2] to the nervous system.

Getting Enough Vitamin B-12

You can prevent these devastating side effects by including B-rich foods in your diet, supplementing when necessary with high-quality Vitamin B-12 and having your Vitamin B-12 levels checked as part of your annual physical exam.

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355025
2. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12
3. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p979.html

Original article written by and posted on Trivita.com

Posted by Jeffrey Sloe on Markethive

Jeffrey Sloe

According to many sources, doctor prescribed medications can have adverse affects on the human body. For example, some of the medications that deplete vitamin b12 over time include, “Anti-inflammatory medications – inhalant, systemic, and topical corticosteroids; Antibiotic medications – aminoglycosides; Antibiotic medications – sulfa drugs; Antibiotic medications – macrolides; Antibiotic medications – penicillin derivatives,” [1] and a whole host of others, too large to mention in this article.

The medications listed above are not only depleting the all important vitamin b12, but other vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamins B9 and B6, and important minerals such as calcium, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), magnesium, melatonin, potassium, protein and amino acid, selenium, and zinc, to mention a few. Additional information is available on the University of Maryland Medical Center web site (www.umm.edu).

Here is a quote from the UMM web site about vitamin B12 deficiency:

“Obvious symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are rare because it takes years to develop complications associated with long-term depletion of this nutrient. Irritability, weakness, numbness, anemia, loss of appetite, headache, personality changes, and confusion are some of the signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 depletion. Low levels of this vitamin may also be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and birth defects.” [1]

I know it says that obvious symptoms of vitamin B12 are rare, however, if you’re taking a combination of the doctor prescribed medications listed above, there’s a chance that the depletion process could become more aggressive over time. Since many adults are taking, or will be in the future, multiple medications, understanding the side effects should become more of a priority.

According to some medical researchers, by the age of 65, an average person is on about 6 different medications. These same researchers say that each one of “these medications are designed to improve a specific body function. All of these body functions require specific nutrients as fuel.”

So you are not alone when it comes to taking multiple meds. That’s the reason so many health conscious individuals suggest taking precautionary measures, which may include taking a daily supplement of vitamin B12. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement is one of the easiest ways to get your recommended daily dose.

Let me make it perfectly clear, I’m not a doctor or healthcare professional. So before taking any dietary supplement, you should talk to a health care professional or doctor. The information in this article is just to inform people of the health risks related to doctor prescribed medications, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Although my information comes from reliable sources, it’s up to the you to verify it.

If you’re taking multiple medications, find out what effect these man-made drugs are having on your body. There may be alternatives to these prescribed drugs. Doctors may be treating your symptoms, but do they really care about the long term side effects?

In my opinion, taking a b12 supplement on a daily basis is a must. To learn more about the sublingual vitamin b12, contact me.

Find Vitamin B 12 and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

Sources:
[1] www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/anti-inflammatory-000195.htm

Vitamin b-12 and folate are two of the main ingredients in many B-12 supplements. The others are Vitamin B-6 and biotin. Since b-12 and folate are considered very important to the human body, I thought I’d use this article to concentrate on those two ingredients.

What is B-12 and Folate?

According to the Labs Tests Online website, a public resource on clinical lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing, “B12 and folate are B complex vitamins that are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.” [1]

Vitamin B-12 and Folate Deficiency

It’s more of a deficiency of b-12 and folate that causes problems rather than an over abundance of these vitamins. As a matter of fact, a lot of research and studies have been conducted on these complex vitamins. The main findings have been that a deficiency of b-12 and/or folate “can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen.” [1]

Information from Lab Tests Online also states that “a deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet and mental changes that range from confusion and irritability to severe dementia.” [1]

There are many symptoms that occur which leads doctors to a vitamin b-12 deficiency. However, &quot:the symptoms associated with B12 and folate deficiency are frequently subtle and nonspecific. They are related to the resulting macrocytic anemia, nerve involvement, and gastrointestinal changes. Patients with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms.” [1]

Other symptoms may include, “confusion, paranoia, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue/weakness, loss of appetite, malabsorption, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sore tongue and mouth, tingling, numbness, and/or burning in the feet, hands, arms, and legs (with B12).” [1]

Causes of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

One of the main causes that I’ve heard about, especially when it comes to the elderly, is inadequate absorption. Most of the elderly population is unable to absorb vitamin b-12 from the food they eat. And once again, according to the Labs Tests Online website, they confirm what I’ve come to learn over the past year. “B12 and folate deficiency may be due to insufficient intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or to increased need.” [1]

Lab Tests Online continues with, “B12 deficiency can be caused by insufficient stomach acid – necessary to separate B12 from ingested protein. This is the most common cause of B12 deficiency in the elderly and individuals on drugs that suppress gastric acid production. Deficiency may also be due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance produced by parietal cells in the stomach that binds with B12 before absorption by the intestines. An autoimmune condition called pernicious anemia involves damage to the parietal cells, resulting in decreased production of intrinsic factor.” [1]

Sublingual B-12

I believe it’s the deficiency and malabsorption factors that led to the invention of a patented Sublingual B-12 formula, on a trek to develop an easy to use B-12 and folate concentrated supplement. Before this formula came to the market, the most popular way to get the proper dose of the b-12 vitamin was through a shot, which had to be administered by a doctor, and was guaranteed to be absorbed into the body.

Many people have found success with the patented sublingual vitamin b12. It has become the number one selling product which is sold and distributed by only one company. As mentioned before, the b12 vitamin is very important, and should be taken on a daily basis. It’s almost impossible to get enough of b-12 and folate through a proper diet, especially if you’re starting to get up there in age.

Before taking any dietary supplement, you should talk to a health care professional or doctor. The information in this article is just to inform people of the health risks related to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Although my information comes from reliable sources, it’s up to you to verify this information, just ask your doctor.

I believe that taking a b12 supplement on a daily basis is a must. To learn more about the sublingual vitamin b12, its patented delivery system, contact me.

Find Vitamin B 12 and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

Sources:
[1] http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/vitaminb12.html