Healthy Ageing & Vitamin B12
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report September 8, 2008
Neurology 2008; 71: 826-832
Carina Harkins’s comments
The risks of Alzheimers exists even when B12 levels are within the so-called normal range. It appears that your B12 levels need to be in the high range.
Functions of B12
Formation of red blood cells (RBCs)
RBC production requires the correct formation of DNA. (DNA, or deoxyribose nucleic acid, is the substance in the nucleus of our cells, which contains genetic information.) Without B12, synthesis of DNA becomes defective, and the formation red blood cells slow down. Because there is a delay in formation, the cells become oversized, misshapen, and results in a condition called pernicious anaemia. More often than not, pernicious anaemia isn't caused by a lack of B12 itself, but by a lack of intrinsic factor, the stomach-made protein required for the absorption of B12. Certain stomach disease can decrease the production of intrinsic factor.
Developing nerve cells
A second major function of B12 involves its participation in the development of nerve cells. B12 is involved in the synthesis of the coating that encloses the nerves called the myelin sheath. B12 deficiency results in myelin not being formed properly and can result in conditions such s Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimers. Although the vitamin plays an indirect role in this process, supplementation of B12 has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and other symptoms in a variety of nervous system disorders.
Other roles for vitamin B12
B12 is involved in protein synthesis and therefore required for growth and repair of all cells. Many of protein's key components, called amino acids, become unavailable for use in the absence of B12. Since one of the steps in carbohydrate and fat processing requires B12 for its completion, insufficiency of the vitamin can also affect the movement of carbohydrates and fats through the body, resulting in fatigue.
As proteins are involved in the production of hormones, neurotransmitters and immune cells, B12 deficiency can result in adrenal hormone deficiency, immune deficiency, depression and poor memory and concentration.
Deficiency Symptoms
Although B12 is not the only nutrient deficiency that can contribute to occurrence of the following symptoms, B12 deficiency should be considered as a possible underlying factor whenever any of the symptoms listed below are present.
Symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency
Dandruff
Nervousness
Decreased blood clotting
Numbness in feet
Decreased reflexes
Paleness
Depression
Red tongue
Difficulty swallowing
Sore tongue
Fatigue
Tingling in feet
Heart palpitations
Weakness
Memory problems
Weak pulse
Menstrual problems
B12 and vegetarianism
Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal tissues, including foods like beef and beef liver, lamb, snapper, venison, salmon, shrimp, scallops, poultry and eggs. The few plant foods that are sources of B12 are actually B12 analogues. Simply put, an analogue is a substance that blocks the uptake of true B12. The result being, your body’s need for the nutrient actually increases.
The ability of a strict vegetarian diet to supply adequate amounts of B12 remains controversial, despite increasing evidence in support of vegetarianism and its nutritional adequacy. The controversy is fuelled by two somewhat divergent schools of thought. One school emphasizes the fact that most animals, including humans, are capable of storing long-term supplies of B12. In humans, these stores may last for twenty years or longer. Given this potential for storage, a daily requirement for B12 is regarded as highly unlikely.
A second school of thought, however, points to the unreliability of plants as sources of B12. For strict vegetarians who eat no animal products whatsoever, this unreliability may pose a problem. Since no plant is capable of making B-12, the amount of B12 in plant food depends upon the relationship of the plant to soil and root-level microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, moulds, and fungi), which make the vitamin. Cultured and fermented bean products like tofu, tempeh, miso, tamari and shoyu may or may not contain significant amounts of B12, depending upon the bacteria, moulds, and fungi used to produce them. For example these products are now made in sterile stainless steel vats free from Moulds and bacteria that make B12. The B12 content of sea vegetables also varies according to the distribution of microorganisms in the surrounding sea environment.
In general, tofus, tempehs, and sea vegetables tend to be more consistent sources of B12 than misos, tamaris, and shoyus. Again, depending upon the medium in which they are grown, brewer's and nutritional yeast can also be significant sources of B12 in a strict vegetarian diet.
Who else is at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- B12 deficiency can occur in gastrointestinal disease such as chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers. This is because B12 needs the help of a protein called intrinsic factor in order to be absorbed. In gastrointestinal disease, intrinsic factor is inhibited, making it nearly impossible to absorb B12.
- Age: people over 50 have a decreased ability to absorb B12.
- Drinking coffee: A study in Clinical Chemistry found that people who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 15 percent reduction in multiple B vitamins compared to those who drank no coffee.
- Taking medications: Many prescription drugs diminish your body’s levels of B12, including antibiotics, anticancer medications, anticonvulsants, anti-gout medications, antihypertensives, antiParkinson's medications, antipsychotics, antituberculosis medications, birth control pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and potassium replacements.
- Those who have undergone weight-loss surgery, which can impair your body’s ability to absorb B12 and other vitamins.
B12 Supplement
Vitamin B12 is the largest vitamin known and it is not easily absorbed. If you do choose to supplement, studies show that sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms of vitamin B12 are better absorbed. Dosage range 10 -1000 mcg! Needs to be professionally prescribed in higher doses
Herbs are Natures Vitamins Don’t take a synthetic supplement
Organic herbs contains vitamins and mineral including B12
Carahealth Memory Tonic
Enhance mental clarity & cognitive performance
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis, Siberian ginseng Eletherococcus senticosus, Gotu cola Centella asiatica, Withania / Indian ginseng /Ashwagandha Withania somnifera, Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba (Gingko not available in Ireland due to EU directive)
Traditional Indications
- Memory tonic for students
- Enhances cognitive performance in athletes
- Prevents & treats Alzheimers & dementia
- Neurological disorders, Parkinsons & MS
This tincture contains a blend of herbs that are known as adaptogens which tonify the adrenal glands to help you cope in times of stress, combined with cerebral circulatory stimulants which promote blood flow to the bran to improve memory. Clinical trials support the use of these herbs for anxiety, cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Multiple sclerosis. Ideal for students, the elderly and anyone needing to increase cognitive response and enhance mental clarity.
Carahealth Healthy Ageing Kidney Tonic
Rheummania / Sheng di huang 生地黄 Rehmannia glutinosa, Polygonum / He Shou Wu 何首烏Polygonium multiflorum, Shisandra / Wu Wei Zi 五味子 Schisandra chinensis, Zizyphus /Suan zao ren 酸枣仁汤 Zizyphus spinosa, Dong Quai / Dang gui 當歸Angelica chinensis,Astragalus / Huang Qi黃耆Astragalus membranaceus
Indications
- Prevent premature ageing
- Tinnitus/ ear disease
- Sore lower back & knees
- Weak bladder
- Memory loss
- Libido
- Adrenal exhaustion
Contains herbs that have anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory effects. These herbs tonify the nervous system, endocrine system and cardiovascular system by lowering cholesterol, widening coronary arteries and boosting blood flow to the heart. The herbs protect the liver, tone up the main internal organs, settle nerves, improve eyesight and reduce blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes. Rich in antioxidants, the herbs improve the immune system, slow down the process of cell aging and are anticancer. The tonic nourishes vitality, reduces excess heat, detoxifies the body, calms the mind and improves mental agility.
For further details on this topic, to lecture for your group or institution on this subject. or to arrange an online appointment contact Carina
Carina Harkin BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu.
Cert IV TAE.