Vitamin B12
Vitamin b12 includes the free vitamin cyanocobalmin and two active coenzymes those are methylcobalmin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. This vitamin b12 has a complex structure containing the mineral cobalt. All vitamin b12 compounds are manufactured completely with the help of bacteria, fungi, and algae. Animals such as cows and sheep obtain vitamin b12 either from bacterial synthesis in their rumen or from soil they ingest while eating and grazing. The only reliable source of the vitamin for humans is animal foods. Plants do not contain vitamin b12, except for minor contamination of vegetables products by bacteria and soil. The purpose of fermentation also contributes a small amount of vitamin b12 to a food. Absorption of vitamin b12 can be disrupted by numerous defects, including the following:
1. Absence of defective synthesis of r- protein, pancreatic, or intrinsic factor.
2. Absence of much or all of the ileum and stomach.
3. Bacterial outgrowth of the small intestine.
4. Tapeworm infestation.
5. Use of certain anti ulcer medications that significantly reduce acid production by the parietal cells.
6. Chronic Malabsorption syndromes, as can be seen in AIDS.
Three types of therapies are possible for patients diagnosed with a defect in vitamin b12 absorption:
1. Monthly vitamin b12 injection or injections to by pass the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Use of vitamin b12 nasal gels.
3. Weekly ingestion of vitamin b12 supplements in megadoses that allow absorption by passive diffusion. Vitamin b 12 injection doses are given in crucial stages.
About 50-90% of the body's total supply of vitamin b12 is stored in the liver. Stores range from 5-12 mg. in the body vitamin b12 is very stable and little is lot. Just the small amount escapes enterohepatc circulation of the bile. Since storage is so great, a single monthly vitamin b12 injection is sufficient to prevent a deficiency when absorption of dietary source is significantly hampered. Vitamin b12 over dosage can cause many problems and can disturb metabolism. The spleen and b12 vitamin deficiency are closely related and these occur due to some defect in spleen.
Vitamin b12 benefits are as in variety of reactions. One of the vitamin b12 benefits or key function is in folate metabolism. It was noted in England that from anemia that caused death within 2-5 years of initial diagnose. They called the disease pernicious anemia. Clinically this disease looked like folate deficiency anemia. In patients with either folate or vitamin b12 deficiency, many megaloblasts are seen in the blood.
Because partial cells synthesize acid, pernicious anemia is often accompanied by a decrease in stomach acid production, condition called achlorhydria. Besides anemia symptoms of vitamin b12 deficiency are many. Vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms are weakness, a red and painful tongue, weight loss, anorexia, indigestion, diarrhea and paresthesia in the extremities. Walking difficulties and mild dementia are common symptoms, along with mental slowness and memory loss. It generally takes 3 years from the onset of the disease for symptoms of nerve destruction to develop. Unfortunately significant nerve destruction often takes place before the anemia is seen and this destruction is not reversible.
The lost nutrient dense sources of vitamin b12 are organs meats, seafood, beef, eggs, hot dogs and ham. A fuel source of vitamin b12 is milk and milk products.
Other than vitamin b 12 injections, supplements and vitamin b12 shots, vitamin b 12 patches and vitamin b12 liquids are available those can supply sufficient amount of vitamin b 12. vitamin b12 injection dosage must be given with the prescription from doctor.
There is less chance of toxicity is observed in case of vitamin b12 overdose. Vitamin b12 overdose is not very hazardous and can be removed from the body easily if there is any excessive amount of it in body.
