FAQ - Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
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Vitamin B 12 deficiency and post Lyme disease?


I went on antibiotics and now I'm off of them. I have still been having headaches and fatigue, sometimes its hard to concentrate. I did a blood test and there is no sign of active Lyme in my system. So i did not know what was wrong. I been taking vitamin b 12 supplement and noticed these symptoms are getting better.

Is there a link between B 12 deficiency and the Lyme bacteria?
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Several common features of modern life accelerate the decline of vitamin B12 in serum through life, including the following:

* Microwave ovens In one test, microwaving milk degenerated 30% to 40% of milk's vitamin B12 in six minutes; with conventional heating, 25 minutes of boiling was needed to depress B12 that much. (67) More importantly, the heat of microwaving destroys all the enzymes in ingested food, which are required to enable absorption and utilization of food. And so by eating microwaved food, both at home and in restaurant and take-out meals, tens of millions of Americans are making themselves increasingly vulnerable to AD, as well as to cancer.

* The Western diet B12 ingestion and stores tend to be insufficient among millions who have for decades eaten RDA-fortified, yet vitamin- and mineral-depleted, processed Western diets, which are also big sources of disease-creating free radicals. (69) Too low levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids in Western diets, harmful in many ways, must also contribute to insufficient B12 levels. (70) Omega-3 supplementation may yield its benefits largely through augmenting vitamin B12. Too-low levels of acetyl-carnitine and folic acid also appear to worsen risk of the condition. (71,72) It's worth noting that in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model, a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), has been shown to potentially slow or even prevent Alzheimer's disease. (73) At modest cost, we can easily ingest DHA in fish oil or [Carlson's] cod liver oil. Also worth considering is the role of trans-fatty acids (TFA) found in products labeled "zero trans-fats" with EPA approval. In a study of over 800 senior citizens, those with high TFA were twice as likely to suffer symptoms of Alzheimer's disease compared to those with the lowest TFA intake ([email protected]; accessed 2/17/06).

*Hypochlorhydria.i.e. insufficient hydrochloric acid Most commonly, B12 insufficiency results directly from hypochlorhydria--insufficient hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach--or by achlorhydria--no HCI at all. The acid should be concentrated enough to dissolve a nail in an hour. (77) Hypochlorhydria is likely caused by zinc/vitamin B6 deficiency (78) and a shortage of ionized calcium. (79,80) (Both deficiencies are typically present in older people.) Lack of enough pepsin or HCl in the stomach to generate the bond between B12 and its carrier protein typically shows with atrophic gastritis. (81,82) Both are also risk factors for gastric cancer. (83) Incomplete digestion of foods due to hypochlorhydria and low pepsin production also can be involved in subsequent allergic response in asthma.  (+ info)

What is relation between vitamin b 12 deficiency and depression or mood fluctuations,I am a vegetarian ,do?


I need to take vitamin pills to get my daily dose of vitamin B,I am from India and there is capsule here called Zevit which has B12 and other vitamin b and zinc and vitamin c ,i am planning to take them,is that ok or will there be any side effects.
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Forget all other answers , Look friend If u r a vegetarian U r right to know that a vegan diet will offer
you Zero Vit-B12 & I strongly recommend that U should take a suppliment that is high in vit B12 & low in others as u won't need excess of them ,
U may also use the gummy jellies sweets with specially added B12 provided by a lot of Good Food Companies. (U might not get in India)
If u r not okay then let me tell you that red meats account for the vitamin.
In vegetables the carrots & spinaches kinds have a minor amount but believe me It is so negligible that , U know I'm sure U won't like to eat kilograms of roots whole the day
Additionally
take some things from WIkipidea =---~
Recommendations

The Dietary Reference Intake for an adult ranges from 2 to 3 µg (micrograms) per day.

Vitamin B12 is believed to be safe when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA for vitamin B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day and 2.8 µg during lactation periods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of consuming greater amounts of Vitamin B12 during pregnancy.

The Vegan Society, the Vegetarian Resource Group, and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, among others, recommend that vegans either consistently eat foods fortified with B12 or take a daily or weekly B12 supplement.[33][45][46] Fortified breakfast cereals are a particularly valuable source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians and vegans. In addition, adults age 51 and older are recommended to consume B12 fortified food or supplements to meet the RDA, because they are a population at an increased risk of deficiency. -----Wikipedia-  (+ info)

Can taking a Vitamin B-12 supplement hurt me if I don't have a deficiency?


I was lacking energy so I thought I'd give it a try. Could it potentially hurt me if B-12 deficiency isn't the problem?
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For the lack of energy try:
B-complex, and Vitamin C with bioflavonoids.  (+ info)

Is a vitamin B 12 deficiency a major medical problem?


My doctor has reccomended Noscobel spray as I have a major deficiency in my b12 level. I have chronic Q fever and struggle with my health. What are the side effects of this medicine? Thanks for your help.
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To answer your first question-- yes, a major B12 deficiency can be a major medical problem. From my perspective, its hugest problem is causing neurological problems from neuropathies to even deadly strokes. Now, with chronic Q fever you might have heart problems and heart valve problems from this. These heart valve problems could make you even MORE at risk for a stroke. And, with possible heart valve disease, your anemia could be made even worse!

So, rather than relying on a wikipedia entry on B12 deficiency, please do know that in your clinical context, this is DEFINITELY considered a major medical problem and B12 must be corrected.

Q fever is pretty rare! How on earth did you get this? What was your occupation and where are you from?  (+ info)

What sort of improvements can i expect if take vitamin b-12 supplements for my deficiency?


i was recently diagnosed with this deficiency and was just curious what solving the problem would do for me
will i have more energy and be less depressed?
also will my metabolism work better?
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You will have MUCH more energy ... you won't need to sleep as much ... you'll be much happier ... your moods will improve ... I think you'll find that once your B12 levels are normal again you're going to feel fantastic!!

I too had a B12 deficiency and after taking supplements I felt sooo good afterwards, better than I ever had. I was giggly and hyperactive and happy again ... and I didn't feel like I needed to lay in bed all the time either, almost like a new lease on life.  (+ info)

What are the symptoms of a Vitamin B-12 deficiency?


...specifically -- beyond the obvious lack of energy.
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If your vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is mild, you may not have symptoms or you may not notice them. Some people may think they are just the result of growing older. Symptoms develop slowly over years, as the amount of vitamin B12 absorbed by the body decreases and the vitamin B12 stored in your body is used up.

As the anemia becomes worse, you may have:1, 2

Weakness.
Fatigue.
Lightheadedness.
A pale appearance.
A sore, red tongue or bleeding gums.
Loss of taste and appetite with weight loss.
Diarrhea or constipation.
A rapid heartbeat or chest pain.
Shortness of breath upon exertion.
Low levels of vitamin B12 cause damage to the brain and nerve cells. The symptoms this causes may be the first ones you notice. They can include:2

Numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.
Poor balance and coordination.
Forgetfulness.
Depression.
Confusion.
Difficulty thinking and concentrating.
Impaired judgment and poor control of impulses.
A decreased ability to sense vibration.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Dementia, a decline in mental abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life.  (+ info)

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency & Marijuana...please help!?


My friend has vitamin b-12 deficiency and wants to know the risks of smoking marijuana if there are any. Can this be a dangerous hobby given the b-12 illness? Thanks
yes habit* not hobby, thanks
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How about neither a habit or a hobby. Casually smoking Marijuana will not impact the b12 deficiency. A b12 supplement can be taken. B12 is water soluble and heavy hydration is probably to blame.  (+ info)

Would fixing my vitamin D deficiency make my iris look brighter?


At age 12 my eyes turned suddenly from blue to murky green. Now I am 34 and I always say I have green eyes! Only an iridologist picks up that my eyes are actually blue. She said it is because of all the toxins in my body.
Recently I was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency and started taking supplements. After 3 days my iris are very bright, and starting to look a little more on the blue side.

Any ideas?
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Hey Kaz.

Almost all studies do not show that Vitamin D is connected to the eyes.

Vitamin D Deficiency results in impaired bone mineralization, and leads to bone softening diseases like Rickets, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, cancer, periodontal disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, seasonal affective disorder, peripheral artery disease, cognitive impairment which includes memory loss and foggy brain and several autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes.

But it is probable that you could have a mild condition of one of the above disorders and that disorder caused your iris to become murky green, and after taking more Vitamin D, that disorder got better and caused your iris to shine brighter.

Regards
~ Josh Tam
http://joshtam.net  (+ info)

I want to know if I have a vitamin B-12 deficiency?


I am having a few problems and I think this might be the key
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Vitamin B12 levels can be checked by simple blood tests to determine if you are deficient. B12 deficiency leads to anemia (low red cell counts) and some neurologic problems. The anemia may not have any symptoms or it can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, paleness or lightheadness. B12 deficiency can also be associated with numbness, tingling and weakness especially of the lower extremities. It also can be associated with memory problems and dementia. So go see your doctor if you are concerned to have the blood test and determine if you need B12 supplementation. Good luck.  (+ info)

Can vitamin and protein deficiency be the cause of my depression?


Or is it the symptoms of the deficiency that is causing it? I have been feeling extremely tired, having trouble staying focused and just not thinking clearly, in addition to nightmares, crying, etc... I had some lab work done and I have several deficiencies to deal with B-12, D, iron, protein. Not sure if I should just try to deal with these and the rest will fall into place or if I should try treating depression at the same time.
I did see a doctor or I wouldn't have had the labs drawn and know what the problem is. But I don't think doctors are complete gods and think that sometimes they over treat people. I was kinda looking for a been there done that this is what worked for me advice.
Thanks to the rest of you who actually read my question. I just don't want to be over treating and get started on a medication that I will become dependant on if I don't need to. I am not taking any other medications at this time that could be causing the problems. I know what is the cause of my deficiencies I just thought that it was under control but apparently I am going to have to supplement my diet even more to compensate.
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not getting adequate protein is a big problem; you need protein to make serotonin (i call it the 'happy hormone'). you would be surprised how much better feel when you are properly nourished. just treating the deficiencies will make you feel better but it may take a while. if you are severely depressed where it is interfering with your job and home life or if you are suicidal at all' treat the depression by all means! when your nutritional problems are under control, you can wean off the anti-depressants.

hope this helps!  (+ info)

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