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VITAMIN B 12 Functions of B12 In The Body Vitamin B 12, also known as cobalamin, is a member  ESSENTIAL FOR DNA SYNTHESIS of the B vitamin family. Vitamin B 12 is often referred to as the “energy vitamin” although as you will see,  FACILITATES METABOLISM OF FOLIC ACID performs many other important functions in the body.  KEY FACTOR IN METHYLATION WHERE IT HELPS Like other B vitamins, B 12 is water soluble, thus it PREVENT AND TREAT ELEVATED can leave the body quickly, so it should be taken HOMOCYSTEINE WHICH IS A RISK FACTOR twice a day. The average dosage range is between FOR HEART DISEASE AND DEMENTIA 100 and 2000 mcg daily, although higher doses might be needed based on ones plasma levels.  INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS Vitamin B 12 levels are assessed through a blood test, and a normal reading is between 200 and 900 pg/ml. Levels  NEEDED FOR NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION below 200 will generally show signs of B12 deficiency;  although in some populations such as the elderly, symptoms HELPS CREATE RED BLOOD CELLS may be noticed with levels between 200 and 500 pg/ml.  NEEDED FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM Since the body does not create vitamin B12 on its own,  HELPS SYNTHESIZE PROTEINS it must be consumed from the diet or in supplement form. Food sources include fish, shellfish, meat, liver,  REQUIRED FOR DIGESTION, FOOD AND eggs, poultry, dairy products and fortified foods. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION, CARBOHYDRATE AND Low stomach acid and antacid medications can decrease FAT METABOLISM the absorption of B 12 from foods, but not from  NEEDED FOR ADRENAL HORMONE supplements, thus supplementation is often a necessary PRODUCTION complement to a healthy diet. Intrinsic factor helps carry B 12 through the digestive system without being destroyed.  SUPPORTS MOOD REGULATION For those with low or no intrinsic factor, sublingual or intramuscular injections are the best route of therapy.

Symptoms of B 12 Deficiency  Confusion  Drowsiness/Fatigue  Poor appetite  Constipation  Insomnia  Ringing in ears  Decreased estrogen  Irritability  Sore tongue in women  Memory loss  Stiffness  Depression  Moodiness  Weakness  Diarrhea  Numbness and tingling  Dizziness of extremities Causes of Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

 Digestive Disorders  Low hydrochloric acid (HCL)  Prescription and Non  Diet low in B 12 production (HCL releases B 12 Prescription Medications from food)  Decreased intrinsic factor

Medications Which Can Deplete Vitamin B 12

 Antacids including histamine blockers (such as Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet), and Proton Pump Inhibitors (such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium)  Various Antibiotics  Certain cholesterol lowering medications (such as Cholestyramine)  Metformin  Oral contraceptives  Oral estrogen therapy  Phenytoin  Zidovudine and other HIV/AIDS medications

Diseases / Disorders That Can Be Treated with B12

 AIDS  Epilepsy  Neuropathy  Anemia  Fatigue  Numbness and tingling  Anxiety  Hepatitis  Psychosis  Asthma  Infertility  Retinopathy  Ataxia  Insomnia  Sciatica  Bell’s palsy  Irritability  Tinnitus  Dementia  Leg cramps at night  Trigeminal neuralgia  Depression  Multiple sclerosis

There are two different forms of vitamin B 12 supplementation. Here at Martins pharmacy we recommend B 12 in the methylcobolamin form as research indicates that methylcobalamin provides an enhanced ability to support neurological function, healthy brain cell function, and nerve cell maintenance, opposed to the more common form of B 12, cyanocobalamin. Methylcobolamin can be found in capsules, sublingual drops, and Pure 2O Energy, a combination of B12, B6, Niacin and CoQ10.