You probably know that vitamin D is responsible for proper bone formation and that its deficiency leads to the appearance of rickets in children. But do you know that in adults low vitamin D symptoms include brittle bones that fracture easily, a condition known as osteoporosis, most notorious in older women?

Functions of Vitamin D
The major functions of vitamin D are: it acts together with parathyroid and calcitonin hormones to stimulate absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the small intestines. Vitamin D also works with calcium and phosphorous in the formation of bone tissue in a process known as bone mineralization.

Recent studies point to other uses of vitamin D in the human body. It helps strengthen the immune system, prevent and fight osteoporosis, breast and prostrate cancers, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some autoimmune conditions including asthma.

Prohormone Vitamin
Scientists say that vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a kind of hormone. Of course this should not necessarily concern us. What should is that we need to get sufficient quantities of the vitamin to keep our bones well maintained through out life. So, even knowing that this vitamin is a kind of hormone or prohormone, we will stick to calling it a vitamin in our discussion.

The body has capacity to produce vitamin D by the action of the sun’s ultra violet rays on the human skin. But various reasons lead to insufficiency which can lead to the appearance of vitamin D deficiency symptoms. This is more likely to happen for those of us who live in places where sunshine is inadequate, but our lifestyles are also likely to deny us enough soaking in of sunshine. This is the reason why we must seek to consume adequate vitamin portions from dietary sources.
Adequate Intake of Vitamin D

A daily intake of 200 international units or 5micrograms is considered adequate for adults up to 50 years. Infants and young children need about double this intake. The same applies to adults above 50, whose skin, liver and kidney abilities to synthesize the vitamin are reduced. Without intervention, these two groups are liable to sufferer from vitamin D deficiency symptoms. The practice should be to get sufficient dietary or supplementary vitamin D and also find time to soak in some sunshine whenever possible to ensure good health today and later in life.

Vitamin D Food Sources

Yeast and fish liver oil are the richest natural sources of the vitamin. Fish meat, mushrooms and eggs also provide substantial quantities of vitamin D as is evident from the following list.
Food Item Quantity Vitamin D Quantity
Herring, pickled 3ounces 4.82mg
Sardine , Canned in oil 3ounces 1.93mg
Mushrooms, shiitake dried 3.6g 1.49mg
Mushrooms, fresh 70g 1.33mg
Shrimp Fresh 3 ounces 1.08mg
Caviar 3ounces 0.93mg
Herring, kippered 3ounces 0.85mg
Cod, canned 3ounces 0.6mg
Milk, whole or nonfat, fortified 1cup (240g) 2.50mcg
Evaporated milk, fortified ½ cup (126g) 2.5mcg
Egg 50g 0.68mcg

Vitamin D Foods and relative vitamin D quantities

Owing to the limited range of vitamin D foods, the American and other governments in the world require that various foods be fortified with vitamin D. Milk as in our list above is required to be fortified with 10micrograms per liter. It is important therefore to take an interest and check the vitamin content of the packed food items that you buy.

Do vitamin b12 shots for weight loss work? Or more specifically, in which ways can vitamin b12 injections help you manage your weight?

Opinions are varied, but there are many individuals who give examples of their own experiences and how they have been able to lose weight by taking regular vitamin b12 shots. Perhaps a look at the dietary sources, functions and deficiency symptoms of vitamin b12 can give us a pointer.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12

All natural vitamin b12 sources are animal based. They include the liver, kidneys, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, fish and dairy products. This clearly shows that vegans are greatly constrained in getting this important vitamin from food sources. But even non vegans and the elderly may have digestive systems which are unable to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet. The recourse is supplementation, the most direct route being vitamin b12 shots which place the vitamin right into the bloodstream, ready for action.

Functions of vitamin B 12

Vitamin b12 is responsible for a wide range of functions. It is involved in many enzyme activities, production of genetic materials in cells, production of red blood cells within the bone marrow and the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also helps in the utilization of other vitamins such as folic acid as well as energy metabolism.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include pernicious anemia, general tiredness, breathlessness following even short exercise and heart palpitations. Other symptoms are neuropathy, which brings about poor sensitivity and pain as well as poor coordination, poor concentration, forgetfulness and depression. Uncorrected deficiency leads to damage to the spinal cord, heart disease, sleep problems and psychosis.

Why B12 Shots for Weight Loss May Work

By looking at the animal sources of vitamin B12, its functions within the body and the problems arising from its deficiency, we can find a thread that shows the likely way by which vitamin b12 shots for weight loss can have merit.

Animal food sources are known to have many negative effects in the body including excess cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and heart disease. These foods are also packed with a lot of saturated fats, which lead to excess weight gain.

On the other hand, deficiency of vitamin b12 leads to many debilitating symptoms. The fact is that b12 deficiency symptoms can be quite serious.  A vitamin b12 deficient person suffering from pernicious anemia, general tiredness, heart palpitations, poor coordination, poor sensitivity, forgetfulness and depression will be weak and unmotivated and is unlikely to get involved in any significant physical exercises. While this may lead to low weight especially in the case of pernicious anemia, it is more likely to result with excess weight due to the inevitable resultant sedentary lifestyle.

Ours becomes a catch 22 situation in which we seek to get the gains of the vitamin and yet we also want to maintain reasonable weight.

B12 weight loss programs aim to provide sufficient vitamin without the negative inputs of the dietary sources. This ensures that you are full of energy and vigor so that you lead a happy and active life, burning up excess weight in exercises and receiving all the other benefits associated with vitamin b12.  Sublingual b12 may also be effective.

So, while the decision to take vitamin b12 shots for weight loss is personal, let no one lead you to dismiss the idea. You can take a shot at it knowing that even excess b12 has no toxic effects.

If you are thinking of making regular b12 shot’s a part of your regular supplementation routine, there are a few things that you will want to consider.  There are many different types of b12 shots available on the market, including b12 “bombs” with high doses of all of the B complex vitamins, and b12 shots that have substances such as lipotropic complex added to them to help detoxify your body and help with weight loss.  Here is what you need to know so that you can intelligently talk with your doctor about which b12 shots are the best for you.

The Type of B12 You are Receiving

Most people don’t realize that all forms of B12 are not equal.  Medical science would have us to believe that a b12 shot is a b12 shot.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Although just about all b12 injections can be effective, it is important to understand that B12 is available in three forms: cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and methylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin is the cheapest form of B12 and is also the most widely available.  Sadly, it is also somewhat toxic. This form of b12 is not found in nature and the body must detoxify it in order to utilize the vitamin.  Those without a compromised immune system will find that they have no issues with the assimilation of this form of B12, however there have been instances of serious complications in those who have a weakened immune system.  Methylcobalamin is the preferred form of B12 and hydroxocobalamin is also quite useful.

What are Your Goals?

Next, you need to carefully consider  what you are trying to achieve with your B12 shot.  If your goal is to fight b12 deficiency symptoms, regular shots of methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin will do the trick.  However if you are taking B12 injections for other reasons, you may want to consider taking a b12 shot that is combined with another substance.

B12 Bomb – These high dose shots typically offer a high dosage of all of the B complex vitamins, and are ideally suited to those looking for maximum vitamin b complex benefits. The B12 bomb is ideally suited for those who are looking to improve energy levels.

B12 Shot with Lipotropic Complex – If you are taking your b 12 injections in hopes that it will help you to shed excess weight, you will want to ask for a B12 shot with fat burners included.  These have been shown to effectively increase your metabolism when used with a healthy diet and exercise. Lipotropic complex is a very common fat burner that is used.

Serious Vitamin B complex side effects are uncommon and most people safely take the supplements for years. However, as with many good things, negative reactions have been observed in some individuals. While these side effects are uncommon, they need to be considered side by side with the Vitamin B complex benefits.  At the proper levels, there are not any wide spread vitamin b complex side effects other than the fact that some people experience gastrointestinal distress.  However, in some individuals mega doses can cause issues.

Vitamin B complex members are involved in various important functions in the body. The individual functions have been analyzed and isolated over the years; however, for our purposes, we can generalize and say consider them to be useful in the general well being of the human body through their involvement in metabolism of energy, synthesis of various enzymes, control of hormones, aiding in the absorption of other vitamins and maintaining the nervous and immune systems in a good working state.

B vitamins being water soluble are liable to be drained off the body through urine. This may mean that dietary intake may become diluted. Some individuals may also suffer from problems of malabsorption. Because vitamin deficiencies lead to various symptoms and negative conditions, it becomes necessary to take supplements. However this may result with adverse challenges or side effects. These occur due to the individual’s bodily make up. Understanding these side effects depends on looking at the individual vitamins.

Vitamin B Complex Side Effects of Low Levels

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine is useful in normal growth, carbohydrate metabolism and the proper functioning of muscles, heat and the nervous systems. Possible side effects include elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, irritability and skin sensitivity. Disturbed sleep may also be observed.

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin helps in protein and energy metabolism, normal growth and general wellness. Possible side effects include general fatigue, lowered blood pressure, nausea, and anemia.

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin is involved in various functions including normal growth, energy metabolism, digestive and nervous system as well as skin maintenance. Possible side effects include flushing, itchy skin, nausea, and throbbing headaches.

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid is involved in co enzyme production, synthesis of fats and amino acids. Its possible side effects as are: depression, fatigue, joint pains, dehydration and edema.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine is involved in co enzyme production for amino acid metabolism, synthesis of proteins, absorption of amino acids and brain activities. Its possible side effects include: numbness and tingling in the fingers and skin, poor coordination, depression and mood swings.

Vitamin B9 also known as folic is an important component of the DNA and also plays an important part in production of red blood cells as well as normal growth. Its possible side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, bloating and kidney malfunction.

Vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalimin is one of the most important vitamins. The best known function of vitamin B12 is its central role in the production of red blood cells. Deficiency of the vitamin in this respect led to its discovery as being the cause of pernicious anemia. The vitamin is also important in the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems, production of sperms, elimination of toxins in the body and protection against allergies. It is also involved in the production of hormones as well as in protecting the body against some cancers. It works together with other vitamins and some minerals. It is therefore important that its supplementation is additional to consumption or supplementation with other B vitamins, minerals as well as vitamins A, C and E

Supplements can be taken as either tablets or vitamin B12 injections. The vitamin, which occurs naturally as cobalimin is present in supplements as cobalimin or cyanocobalamin. Another form of vitamin B12 which has recently raised interest in its ability to help in the treatment of various non vitamin deficiency conditions is methylcobalamin, which is not toxic and superior to cyanocobalimin.  Some studies have indicated that it is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke, peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. It is also helpful in regulating and treating sleep disorders.

Side effects associated with vitamin B12 can either include: stomach upsets, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and joint pains. Soreness at injection sites may also occur. Other possible side effects include heart palpitations, muscle pain, weakness and cramps, wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing, skin rash, itching and hives, numbness and fatigue.

If you suffer from any serious health condition or are under medication, it is advisable to consult a physician before embarking on taking vitamin supplements. This will rule out any possible problems that may occur from the interaction. If any vitamin B complex side effects are suspected when taking supplements, consult a physician and declare the supplements you are on.

Looking for a boost?  Try 5 Hour Energy!

5 Hour Energy is the perfect product that can give you the boost you need to finish your day. If you need to finish a report and you are already feeling tired, then a few gulps of this is perfect. It gives you the push that you need and you do not even have to worry about any side effects. So what makes this energy drink far better than the others?

The first thing that makes this energy booster great is how much nutrients are packed inside the bottle. At only 2 ounces per bottle, it already has amino acids in it as well as 500mcg of vitamin B12. This is great if you have a lot of brain work to do and are feeling fried. It is perfect for college students who need to study for their exams, or new moms trying to function on very limited sleep.

Another factor that differentiates 5 Hour Energy is how much sugar it contains, which is 0%.   Because it does not have sugar content, then you do not have to worry about feeling energized due to sugar rush, and then suddenly feel drowsy due to sugar crash. For another benefit of having 0% sugar, a bottle of 5-Hour Energy only has 4 calories. There is no need to worry about gaining weight with this energy drink.

Reasonably priced for a pack of 12, you already get the energy that you need for a month. When you are feeling tired, all you need is to drink half a bottle for the day. That amount can already give you the same energy of having a cup of coffee.

The Bottom Line –  My 5 Hour Energy Review:

I love 5 hour energy.  This is, by far, the best energy drink out there. It can push you through your day without any side effects and is a much healthier option than reaching for a soda or candy bar to get the job done. There is no sugar crash and no weight gain to worry about. It also contains a lot of nutrients that can help your brain. Although I wouldn’t use it in place of b12 shots or sublingual B12, when my schedule gets hectic I do find myself reaching for 5 hour energy.   As a busy work at home mom of two small boys, there are times when I need a little help getting everything done!  And with its small bottle size, I can bring it anywhere and drink it whenever I need to have a boost of energy.

Super B complex is packed full of all essential B vitamins. This makes it easy for you to derive the benefits of these important vitamins from one source without worrying about missing out on one or the other. It is also more comfortable for you when you take single B12 shots instead of several for the same line of vitamins.

Vitamin B-complex on which Super B complex is fashioned is a collection of 8 B vitamins which play important roles in the normal workings of the human body. Each of the vitamins and its functions has been analyzed over time and this information is here shared in summary to help you understand their use even as you make a choice.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tr><td><img src="" /><td></tr><tr><td><td></tr></table>

B vitamins are involved in various enzyme activities for the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These main functions are basic in ensuring that the body gets enough energy so that the muscles, the heart, the brain and the nervous system and the rest of the body function properly. B vitamins also help in the proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems as well as the production of hormones. Some B vitamins are required for other B vitamins to be utilized. This means that missing out on some can render those you take useless, hence the need to take all the essential components together.

Essential B vitamins and their functions

The eight vitamins are: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12.

• Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine helps in normal growth. It is important in metabolism of carbohydrates and also plays a part in the normal functioning of the muscles, heart and the nervous system. Deficiency leads to beriberi disease which involves fatigue, indigestion, nerve damage, paralysis, edema of legs and heart failure.
• Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is useful for normal growth and functioning of the body. It helps in protein and energy metabolism and in invigorating the body. Deficiency leads to a condition known as ariboflavinosis which is characterized by cracks at corners of the mouth, eye irritation, swollen tongue and skin irritations.
• Vitamin B3, also known as niacin is a major vitamin whose functions involve normal growth, energy metabolism, maintenance of healthy skin, proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems. Deficiency leads to pellagra, characterized by general body weakness, lack of energy, scaly dermatitis, loss of appetite and nervous confusion.
• Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid is involved in the formation of a co-enzyme, synthesis of fats and activation of amino acids. Deficiency is uncommon.
• Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine is involved in the formation of a co-enzyme for amino acid metabolism. Also useful in synthesis of protein, brain activities and the absorption of amino acids. Deficiency leads to anemia, irritability, convulsions and nerve damage.
• Vitamin B7, also known as biotin is a partner of vitamin B5 in the formation of a co-enzyme, synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids. Deficiency is uncommon.
• Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid constitutes part of the DNA. It is involved in normal growth and the production of red blood cells. Deficiency leads to anemia, immature red blood cells and defects in the spinal (neural) tube.
• Vitamin B12, also known as cobalimin works in conjunction with vitamins B6 and B5 in the production of a co-enzyme for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Without sufficient oxygen, many organs of the body cannot work properly. Continued deficiency leads to pernicious anemia.

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tr><td><img src="" /><td></tr><tr><td><td></tr></table>Natural vitamin B12 sources are animal based. This means that vegans are at a higher risk of suffering from deficiency symptoms. Research has also indicated that as people age, there is a marked loss of absorption of vitamin B12. Regular vitamin B12 injections will maintain sufficient supply of this vitamin. Many sportsmen and women are known to take regular b12 shots to keep their top form. Vitamin B12 is also available as the under the tongue, sublingual b12 or liquid B12.

Super B complex ultimately supplies all the essential B vitamins and keeps the adverse effects of deficiency at bay.

Low vitamin D symptoms result when the body cannot synthesize sufficient quantities of this vitamin pro-hormone. Vitamin D is less of a vitamin and more of a hormone. The researchers who discovered it classified it as a vitamin because they were able to correct its deficiency symptoms by using supplements in the form of fish liver oils. Incidentally this is the only truly natural form of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is synthesized by the body by the action of the ultraviolet light of the sun on some chemicals in the skin. The result is a change in the chemicals which is further processed in the liver and kidneys to form the final vitamin D hormone which is used in the body to regulate the balance of phosphates and calcium including the control of their absorption in the small intestines. The vitamin D hormone works in conjunction with two other hormones known as parathyroid hormone and thyroid hormone, calcitonin. Because vitamin D is synthesized within the body under certain conditions, it follows that people for who those conditions are not met are at risk of deficiency.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms?

Elderly people, people on poor diet, premature babies and people deprived of sunlight for long periods are all at risk of deficiency. Other reasons of deficiency include malabsorption, people who are on prolonged use of drugs such as phenytoin, people suffering from liver or kidney disorders and some genetic defects. Because of this predisposition, those who can be classed as being at risk should take vitamin supplements as a matter of course. It is also possible to have tests done to ascertain ones status.

Low Vitamin D Symptoms

Young children develop rickets. This is a condition in which various bones are deformed due to weakness during growth. The symptoms include excessively bent spine, soft skull that takes longer than normal to close up on the top of the head and bowlegs. The condition can also include painful muscular spasms. Chronic deficiency can lead to stunted growth.

In adults, long term deficiency is signified by a softening of bones due to reduced calcium absorption and synthesis. This condition is known as osteomalacia and further deficiency may lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become so weak that they may fracture very easily with little physical stress.

Low levels of vitamin D not only lead to bone loss.  A lack of vitamin d can also cause an increased risk of developing cancer and heart disease.

How Can You Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency?

People who are predisposed to deficiency of vitamin D should include food items that have been enriched with the vitamin. They should also make sure that they get enough vitamin d rich foods in their diet.But because there is a host of reasons for deficiency, it is also advisable that they regularly take vitamin supplements to guard against the deficiency conditions. Wherever possible all human beings should spend some time in the sun regularly to get their bodies to synthesize the vitamin naturally.

Treating Vitamin D Deficiency

While fortified food items such as milk and various fats should be taken, taking supplements is the best way of correcting the deficiency. Taking them as a matter of course is also advised for those who are predisposed in order to avoid the route of low vitamin D symptoms.

While we’ve all been hearing just how important Vitamin D is to our health, lately health professionals have also been quietly discussing the importance of the B vitamins to your health and wellness.  Many people are not properly educated and fully aware of Vitamin B Complex Benefits to their health and overall well being. Thus, many people also take for granted checking whether they are getting adequate supply of the vitamin in their daily diet or not.  Many health practitioners believe that the number of people who are suffering from low levels of the Bs is much higher than anyone would imagine.  Thanks to our high stress – fast food lifestyles, even those who try to eat healthy may have less than optimum levels.  Today,  I thought we would take a look at what the B vitamins are and how they work within our bodies to maintain and improve your health.

What Exactly Are B Complex Vitamins?

“B Vitamins are real multitaskers and are in involved in so many critical processes.  They are sparkplugs in everything from energy metabolisim to detoxification to mood to immunity and gut health”

Kathie Swift, MS, RD, LDN nutrition director for Food As Medicine a professional training program at The Center for Mind-Body Medicine

Vitamin B Complex, a group of vitamins that include riboflavin, niacin, folate, thiamine, B-6, B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline offer plenty of health benefits that are essential to proper functioning of our body systems. A lack of Vitamin B Complex in our body can lead to some health problems ranging from mild to serious ones.

Who Needs B Complex Vitamins

Folate also known as folic acid is very essential especially to pregnant women. It supports the development of the infant inside the pregnant mother’s womb.

We all know that pregnant and nursing mom’s need to take b complex vitamins, but who else can benefit from supplementation?

One of Vitamin B Complex Benefits is that it promotes proper concentration and improvement in one’s brain capacity and memory. Thus, it is of high importance for young people who are spending plenty of time using their brains while studying and memorizing facts to prepare for examinations. It is highly recommended for students and professionals to take Vitamin B Complex supplements to ensure they are getting adequate amount of the vitamin.

Vitamin B Complex is also good for older people as it decreases depression and helps promote a good mood. Elderly people are known to be irritable and moody. Thus, they need to have enough Vitamin B Complex to minimize the bad effects that aging and menopause could bring.

Those who are working in stressful jobs need to make sure they are taking adequate amount of Vitamin B Complex. This vitamin could help them deal with the stressful environment by promoting good mood and strengthening their immune system.

Furthermore, Vitamin B Complex aids in proper metabolism as it is used by the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which in turn is converted by the cells into energy. Thus, it may also be beneficial to those who have weight issues such as those who have trouble losing weight.
For people who are complaining of low energy for most parts of the day, this vitamin can be the solution to their problem. After taking a vitamin B supplement, one will notice his energy increased compared to when he was not taking the vitamin supplement.

Vitamin B Complex can even be a beauty enhancer. It can promote healthy and shiny hair and skin and help those who have dry and problematic ones.

Our daily diet usually does not supply as with an adequate amount of vitamin B Complex, thus, it is recommended for us to take Vitamin B complex supplements that will help us ensure we are taking enough for us to function properly and achieve good health.

What You Need to Know about Vitamin B12 Foods

Natural vitamin B12 foods are exclusively animal based. It occurs as a protein complex within animal bodies and animal products. Its original synthesis is however within the gastrointestinal tract of herbivores. An insignificant quantity is synthesized within the human intestines. Beef liver, clams and oysters are some of the richest food sources of the vitamin. Others include chicken liver, beef, mackerel, salmon, cheese and swordfish and other animal based products to a lesser extent.

Plant based foods are insignificant sources of the vitamin except where they have been fortified.  This is why so may vegetarians and vegans have issues with b12 deficiency symptoms:  The only natural vitamin b12 foods are meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products.  While some food companies would have you believe that there are other natural plant bases sources (such as sea weed) most experts dismiss these as being not enough to prevent or treat a deficiency.

The key thing to understand is that just because you are consuming vitamin b12 foods on a regular basis, does not mean that you don’t have to worry about a deficiency.  B12 in food is attached to animal protein and before it can be made available to your body, it must be separated from the protein.  Your body uses pepsin, an enzyme that is produced only in the presence of sufficient hydrochloric acid, to separate the B12 from protein.  Intrinsic factor is also required for the assimilation of Vitamin B12 Foods.  R-binders must be present to take the B12 to the small intestines where the intrinsic factor and pancreatic pro teases will carry it to the ileum.  Ultimately, a protein called transcobalamin II will carry the B12 to the bodies cells.

What Does All This Mean in English?

What this means to you is that the metabolism process of Vitamin B12 is without a doubt the most complex of all vitamins.  There are so many points in the process that it can break down.  So while we should all make an effort to get vitamin B12 foods in our diets, the reality is that many times it just isn’t enough.  Let’s take a quick look at why vitamin B12 is so important to your health.

Vitamin B12 benefits are many and varied. This collection of active biological compounds is essential in normal blood formation. It is specifically critical in the synthesis of the red blood cells, which are the carriers of oxygen within the bloodstream to all parts of the body. Oxygen is required for metabolism of energy. The vitamin is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Vegans and those who for some reason cannot access the animal based sources of the important vitamin on a regular basis face a real challenge. The elderly are also at risk of getting inadequate quantities. This is because absorption in the intestines of people over 50 is poor due to insufficient gastric acids as well as a decreased production of intrinsic factor. People suffering from some illnesses may also be deficient in the vitamin. It is also worth noting that like other B vitamins, vitamin B12, which is also known as cobalamin  is water soluble, however, unlike other water soluble vitamins it can be stored in the body.

Vitamin supplements have been developed in answer to these challenges. Vitamin B12 injections are an effective way of getting additional vitamin b12 into your body.  However, for those who may not want to get regular injections, another revolutionary product has been developed.  Sublingual b12 is administered by way of placing it under the tongue where it is absorbed almost instantly and without wastage. This avoids the ordinary and wasteful digestive route which has been reported to result with loss of as much as 80% of the ingested vitamin.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Discovery of vitamin B12 was as a result of a search for the cause of a type of anemia, known as pernicious anemia. A study of patients of the anemia led to the discovery that something within the digestive system is necessary for absorption of the vitamin. The name intrinsic factor was coined to this absorption agent. Where this factor is missing, absorption cannot happen. The result is the same as for those whose diet is lacking in foods rich in the vitamin: a drop in red blood cells count and eventually the development of pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia however develops following chronic deficiency of the vitamin. Other vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms which may be observed in people who get inadequate supply include general body fatigue, sore mouth and tongue, jaundiced skin and eye white, poor appetite, numbness and prickling feeling, decreased sensitivity, shortness of breath after short physical activity, nausea and heart palpitations. While these symptoms are not specific to deficiency of vitamin B12, their presence should signal the need to undergo a test followed by appropriate treatment.

Rich vitamin B12 foods are basically sourced from animals, but fortified food stuffs and vitamin supplements are available to guard against vitamin B12 deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, vitamin B12 is a vitamin originated from a bacteria in the soil. Many people attribute this vitamin, falsely, to meat and it’s cousins (fish, poultry, etc), and this is utterly false. Vegan animals, including our vegan ancestors, got their dosage of this vitamin by eating unwashed fruits and veggies that naturally contain this vitamin to some extent, when eaten UNWASHED, as the vitamin is in the “outer shell” of the plant, and easily washes away when in contact with water.

Even though it’s not easy to reach the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency ,today it is fairly hard to reach an appropriate amount of vitamin B12 from a plant based sources, because most of this food is chemically sprayed and thus must be washed before we consume it, and as already stated, vitamin B12 washes away easily with water. Luckily, we only require two to three MICRO grams a day of this vitamin, which is a very low amount! B12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and muscles for years, and that is why it may take VERY long for B12 vitamin deficiency symptoms to appear.

Vitamin B12 benefits are vast. This vitamin plays a huge role in our body, most importantly:

• Red blood cells formation.
• Myelin formation – This is a fatty acid substance that surrounds our nerve cells and protects them.
• DNA replication.
• Tissue growth
• Homocysteine levels lowering. Various diseases have been linked to having high levels of Homocysteine in our body.

Vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms in women are the same as man, worthy of mentioning. There are a few possible causes for this condition: improper absorbing of this vitamin, parasites eating your stores of B12 and even toxins that destroy your vitamin stores, like cyanide in cigarettes. There are of course some other possible causes, but these are the main ones.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms may include loss of appetite which may lead to a loss of weight, poor eyesight, tingles in the hands, feet or tongue, white spots in the outer area of the forearm, loss of memory, confusion, dizziness and general fatigue. These may cause severe damage if you don’t treat it in time. There are of course some other symptoms of B12 vitamin deficiency, but these are the main ones. Make sure you treat them in time, if you’re experiencing any of these.

Many people have also considered taking b12 injections for losing weight purposes, which can be a not-so-wise decision, to be honest. These injections, or to be exact – this vitamin, will only boost up your metabolism and thus make you more likely to be active and do some exercise and lose calories, so in this respect it can be helpful.  It is important to understand that there is no magic potion to losing weight – it takes good, old fashioned hard work.  The truth is that while the traditional CHEAP B12 vitamins that are sold can be of little value for most people (i.e. cyano-B12), higher quality methylcobalamin can be quite effective in the absence of assimilation issues, such as those caused by a lack of intrinsic factor or gastric acids, both of which are required for the proper absorption of the vitamin.

Keep your health buddies, this is the most important thing we have got.