Thursday 21 February 2013

VITAMIN B12 BENEFITS


Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin required for a variety of biological processes in the human body. From metabolism of cells to the smooth functioning of the nervous system, Vitamin B12 plays a key role in maintaining a healthy physical state. Some say Spirulina is the best source of Vitamin B12*. It can also be obtained from  eggs, fish, meat, dairy products, etc.
Vitamin B12 has numerous health benefits and can help your body in various ways. Here’s a look at the different benefits offered by Vitamin B12:
1.) Creation of Red Blood Cells – The formation, maintenance and repair of red blood cells is largely dependent on Vitamin B12. Athletes and people with low energy levels often take B12 injections, for an instant boost in energy levels. Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the regeneration and development of DNA and RNA (the genetic material in our body). It is essential for the rapid synthesis of DNA and RNA during cell division, especially in tissues where cells are dividing rapidly.
B12 Deficiency can disrupt DNA production and lead to abnormal cell growth, leading to anemia.
2.) Healthy Nervous System – Vitamin B12 assists in the smooth and proper functioning of the brain and nerve cells in the body. Each nerve fiber is surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath made up of Myelin, which is a complex protein. Myelin not only protects the nerves but also allows transmission of electrical impulses between the nerve cells throughout the body. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for maintenance of Myelin.
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can have serious neurological effects ranging from loss of sensation to visual impairment to dementia and memory loss.
3.) Treats Depression – Vitamin B12 is known to promote activity of hormones and neurotransmitters that can influence your mood and emotional state. These hormones include Dopamine, Serotonin and Melatonin. Depressed patients are often prescribed Vitamin B12 supplements as it can trigger serotonin ‘happy hormone’ production and uplift their spirits.
A deficiency of B12 vitamin can lead to stress, anxiety and depression.
4.) Controls Homocysteine Levels – Proper dosage of Vitamin B12 in combination with Folic acid can effectively control the homocysteine levels (an amino acid made from proteins) in the blood plasma cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in hematological conditions, increasing the risk of heart diseases, stroke and osteoporosis
5.) Healthy Skin & Hair – Vitamin B12 is vital for DNA and RNA synthesis and cell reproduction. Our skin, hair and nails undergo a process of constant growth and renewal, which is why they need adequate amount of B Vitamins, especially B12 for maintaining a healthy growth. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to dry skin, wrinkles, acne, brittle hair and nails and skin problems such as dermatitis.
6.) Promotes Absorption of Folic Acid – Folic acid is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells in the body. Without Vitamin B12, folic acid cannot be regenerated in the body and becomes trapped in a metabolically useless form. For proper absorption and regeneration of folic acid, one needs to get adequate amount of Vitamin B12. Both folic acid and Vitamin B12 are dependent on each other, as deficiency of Vitamin B12 is followed by a deficiency of folic acid, and vice versa.
7.) Weight Loss – Vitamin B12 is also known as the ‘Energy Vitamin’ since it can give a real and instant energy boost. It can speeden up the metabolism process, thus burning more calories and increasing the rate of weight loss. It also increases the overall energy levels in the body, allowing you to raise your level of physical activity and exercise.
Also as we discussed previously, Vitamin B12 helps in fighting stress and depression, symptoms which are usually associated with weight gain.
8.) Promotes Healthy Pregnancy – Compared to normal adults, pregnant women need a higher amount of Vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, maintain a healthy nervous system , release energy from food and to process folic acid. B12 deficiency can cause birth defects and even miscarriage. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of Vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 mcg per day, and it is essential that this requirement is met.
9.) Helps Combat Mental Decline – Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient essential for everyone including older adults. As per recent researches, adequate amount of Vitamin B12 can prevent mental decline associated with old age. Alzheimer’s diseases, Dementia and short-term memory loss can all be prevented, as Vitamin B12 promotes healthy functioning of the brain and neurological system.
Experts have found that when patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or other memory problems were treated with vitamin B12, many of their symptoms disappeared within six months and they regained mental clarity and focus.
10.) Allows you to Sleep Better – Vitamin B12 enhances the production of Melatonin, a hormone that supports healthy sleep patterns. This is especially beneficial for older adults, as with age their body becomes less efficient in making this hormone. Vitamin B12 can assist in increasing Melatonin production allowing older people to sleep better.
While the above mentioned benefits of Vitamin B12 are well documented, there are several other benefits that are being studied by researchers and health experts worldwide. One of such studies shows that Vitamin B12 can drastically increase sperm count and treat male infertility. Similarly, tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears) can also be treated with B12 supplementation.
Vitamin B12 is undoubtedly an essential nutrient required for most of our life processes – from improving physical health to boosting mental performance, Vitamin B12 can help you in countless ways. Ensure that you get adequate amount of this vitamin either from dietary sources or through B12 supplements.
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Vitamin B12 Is Essential HEalthy Living By Supporting Blood Production And The Nervous System


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VITAMIN B12 BENEFITS




Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vitamins/health-benefits-of-vitamin-b12-or-cyanocobalamin.html

Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin

The health benefits of Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin include improved cell maintenance, DNA formation, relief from fatigue, cholesterol, sickle cell disorder, Alzheimer's disease, pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia and breast cancer.
Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin is a worthy member of family called vitamin B complex. It is during the process of digestion that this vitamin is processed from proteins in human body. This reaction is presided over by hydrochloric acid. Vitamin B12 associates with a substance called Intrinsic Factor to perform useful tasks for maintaining good health of human body. It is one of the most admirable components for taking good care of RBCs, nerve sells and other essential entities in body.
Deficiency Symptoms: The deficiency symptoms of Vitamin B12 include deadness in hands and feet, along with loss of memory, poor coordination while walking, insomnia, drowsiness, constipation and headaches. Apart from all these indications, the deficiency of this vitamin is signified by depression, problem in visibility, swelling in tongue, and hearing of unusual voices, along with neurological disorders and mouth soreness. Also, the person suffering from deficiency of Vitamin B12 exhibits weight loss, nausea and fatigue.
Important Sources: To ensure that one’s diet is never deficient in Vitamin B12, here is the discussion about major sources of this vitamin. It is mainly provided by foods like beef liver, salmon, oysters, tuna, milk, yoghurt, chicken and cheese. There are other items rich in this vitamin, which include eggs, fish, lamb’s kidney and other animal products. It is a matter of fact that Vitamin B12 is mainly provided by animal products. Thus, plants products are not included in the list of rich sources of Vitamin B12.
Benefits: Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin has a spectrum of benefits to offer, as far as human health is concerned. Here is the list of most commendable benefits of this vitamin:
  • Cell Maintenance: Vitamin B12 lends a helping hand in maintaining different types of cells existing in human body. For instance, the practices like formation, repair and maintenance of red blood cells are largely dependent upon Vitamin B12. Also, the nerve cells are taken care of by this vitamin in human body. This further helps in maintaining a strong nervous system.
  • DNA formation: Vitamin B12 is an important entity for regular formation of DNA in human body. This practice is performed during cell division and this vitamin is one of the most significant participants of this process. In case of lack of Vitamin B12 in human body, abnormal cell formation, known as megaloblasts takes place. This may further, result in occurrence of anemia in human body. Thus, a fair quantity of Vitamin B12 is necessary to be included in diet plan.
  • Fatigue: Vitamin B12 is an appreciable resource for relieving human body from fatigue and weakness. Thus, this vitamin is potential in improving the overall stamina of human body to withstand heavy work pressure.
  • Cholesterol: The diet rich in food products containing Vitamin B12 is helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol in human body. Also, this vitamin helps in controlling the level of triglycerides to take care of proper working of human heart.
  • Sickle Cell Disorder: Vitamin B12 is considered as an important constituent for treating severe problem of sickle cell anemia. It is expected to do so by saving the patient’s body from endothelial damage.
  • Alzheimer's disease: Vitamin B12 is effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. This disease is accompanied by symptoms like confusion and perplexity. It has been reported by medical experts that patients suffering from this disease contain less amount of Vitamin B12 in their bodies.
  • Anemia: Vitamin B12 is considered as a part of treatment of various forms of anemia, like pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia. This vitamin helps to replenish lost substance called Intrinsic Factor, which is of great value for blood normality.
  • Breast cancer: It has been found that women suffering from breast cancer are deficient in Vitamin B12. Thus, a recommended diet rich in this vitamin is of great concern for treating this disorder.

Vitamin B12 and Multiple Sclerosis

http://ms.about.com/od/livingwellwithms/a/vitamin_b12.htm

Studies have reported a significantly higher rate of vitamin B12 deficiency in people with MS than in people without MS, which is suspected to be due to problems with binding and transport of vitamin B12 (meaning that the body does not process vitamin B12 efficiently, which makes it difficult to maintain normal levels without supplementation). One study found low B12 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with MS, although their blood levels were normal.

What Is It For?


People with vitamin B12 deficiency have destruction of both the myelin and the underlying axon. If the deficiency is severe, there can be serious brain damage, causing MS-like symptoms. Even when people have slight B12 deficiency, they may exhibit symptoms like fatiguedepression and memory loss.

How Does It Work?


Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath by playing a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintenance of myelin.

The Benefits of Vitamin B12


Vitamin B12

The Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient found in many foods, especially animal products. Also available in supplement form, vitamin B12 is involved in regulating metabolism. In addition, vitamin B12 aids in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. Vitamin B12 is also required for the proper function and development of the brain.

Why Do People Take Vitamin B12?

People use vitamin B12 for a wide variety of health purposes, including prevention and/or treatment of the following conditions:
Vitamin B12 is also used to enhance mood, increase energy, improve memorystimulate the immune systempromote healthy sleep, and slow the agingprocess.

The Benefits of Vitamin B12

Studies suggest that vitamin B12 may help prevent or manage a number of health conditions, including:

1) Eczema

When applied to the skin, vitamin B12 may help fight eczema. For a 2004 study from the British Journal of Dermatology, researchers assigned 49 eczema patients to eight weeks of twice-daily treatment with a placebo or a cream containing vitamin B12. By the study's end, those using the vitamin B12 cream had experienced a greater decrease in the severity of their eczema (compared to those using the placebo cream).

2) Heart Disease

Taking vitamin B12 may lower your levels of homocysteine (an amino acid thought to increase heart disease risk when it is present in elevated levels). According to a 2000 report from Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, daily supplementation with both .5 to 5 mg of folic acid and about .5 mg of vitamin B12 may significantly reduce homocysteine levels.

3) Cancer

Early research indicates that vitamin B12 may protect against some forms of cancer. In a 2003 study from Cancer Causes & Control, for instance, scientists examined the dietary habits of 214 women with cervical dysplasia. (A condition marked by abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix, cervical dysplasia can lead to cervical cancer if not treated.) Analyzing their findings, the study's authors determined that women who use vitamin B12 supplements and have a high intake of folate, riboflavin, and thiamin may be less likely to develop cervical cancer.

More Research

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 may not be effective for sleep disorders and stroke prevention.

Signs of Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common among adults over age 50, vegetarians, vegans, people who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, and people with digestive disorders (such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease).
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
  • anemia
  • loss of balance
  • numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
  • weakness


The RDA for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg/day for all people ages 14 and older. If you're concerned that you're not getting enough vitamin B12 from food, talk to your doctor about using vitamin B12 supplements.


Sources:
Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Chew EY, Albert CM, Manson JE. "Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women: the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study." Arch Intern Med. 2009 Feb 23;169(4):335-41.
Clarke R, Armitage J. "Vitamin supplements and cardiovascular risk: review of the randomized trials of homocysteine-lowering vitamin supplements." Semin Thromb Hemost. 2000;26(3):341-8.
National Institutes of Health. "Vitamin B12: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". August 2011.
National Institutes of Health. "Vitamin B12: MedlinePlus Supplements". August 2011.
Office of Dietary Supplements. "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12". Last accessed August 2011.
Stücker M, Pieck C, Stoerb C, Niedner R, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. "Topical vitamin B12--a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial." Br J Dermatol. 2004 May;150(5):977-83.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Vitamin-B12.htm

Top 5 Benefits of Vitamin B12



Top 5 Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of several critical body processes. 

It is possible for the body to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency is usually reported with symptoms of fatigue.

Strict vegetarians, heavy drinkers and smokers, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and the elderly usually require vitamin B12 supplements. Sometimes our body, mainly our digestive system, is not able to absorb this vitamin well. This can happen when a person has pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, bacteria growth in the small intestine, or a parasite. People suffering from these conditions may need vitamin B12 supplements as well.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in a host of illnesses like anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, poor memory, soreness of the mouth, asthma, vision problems, and a low sperm count. However, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare as the liver stores enough reserves to last a couple of years.
The top 5 health benefits of vitamin B 12 are:
  • It is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body.
  • It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage.
  • It helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamin B12 also protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure.
  • It is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin.
  • Vitamin B 12 helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostrate cancer.


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