Depression and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 And Depression
By Christopher Fitch

Feeling a little depressed more than usual is not really that unusual. Depending on the season, weather and daily stress levels, a change in mood is to be expected by most of us. However, serious depression (or clinical depression as it is often termed) represents a true threat to our emotional stability as well as the relationships we have with those who are closest to us. Treating this becomes increasingly important, but if we do not qualify for medication according to our doctor, finding "medical" help might be a challenge.

Something your doctor might mention to you is that your vitamin B12 levels are low. Low B12 levels come with several consequences and depression is one of them. In fact, clinically depressed patients have proven that B12 levels and depression have an inverse relationship. So it may make sense to focus on increasing your daily dosage of vitamin B12. For most of us, that means eating the right foods that are rich in Vitamin B12.

The problem with eating B12-rich foods is that as we age our digestive system has greater difficulty in separating out the B12 and introducing it to our system, a vital process in ensuring that our levels stay positive and, above all else, avoid deficiency. And because the process is a particularly difficult one for our system to execute, no matter how much liver we eat (arguably the food that is richest in B12), we still may witness a drop in B12 levels. In other words, diet alone (no matter how well-intentioned it is) may fail us.

The solution in these cases is to supplements. Often, a One-A-Day vitamin can help us meet our B12 needs on a daily basis and in no time the mild depression that has led us to investigate the issue in the first place will start to ease. Not because of diet, but because we are getting the B12 our systems need.

In some cases (and it seems this is the case more and more often these days) the problem is not necessarily with the foods or supplements, but in the digestive system as a whole. While supplements are frequently easier for our system to process, if the mechanism itself is "broken," then people need to bypass it entirely. And for some people who feel their depression is not getting better but is in fact getting worse, it could be the result of a broken system. This is where B12 injections play a part.

With B12 injections, your medical professional will inject the commercially available B12 supplement straight into your system, bypassing the digestive system as a whole. This is not to say that the dosage will be any different than what you would get from food or supplements, but it will actually reach your system and do its job. This, after all, is the whole point.

So if you are feeling depressed but your mental state is insufficient to warrant heavier, prescribed medication, it is worth asking your medical professional about your B12 levels. If the levels are low, changing your diet to incorporate B12-rich foods and/or taking supplements is usually a wise first step. If that fails, then injections may be your only option.

Learn more about some of the most common Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms that could impact your mood and mental health at B12-Facts.com, a website dedicated to Vitamin B12.

As the editor of B12-Facts.com Christopher Fitch has written about many health related matters, particularly when it comes to sleep health. He has recently taken a keen interest in Vitamin B12 Facts to help prepare for the dreary winter months.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Fitch
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Do Vitamin B12 Shots Help with Weight Loss?

Are vitamin B-12 injections helpful for weight loss?

Answer

from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

There's no solid evidence that vitamin B-12 in any form — including vitamin B-12 injections — improves weight loss.

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 can also be made commercially in a lab. Vitamin B-12 is added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement in tablet form or as an injection. Vitamin B-12 is commonly prescribed to help treat pernicious anemia and B-12 deficiency.

Some weight-loss clinics offer vitamin B-12 injections as part of their weight-loss programs. Proponents of vitamin B-12 injections for weight loss say the shots give you more energy and boost your metabolism, helping you shed unwanted pounds. But unless you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency, vitamin B-12 injections aren't likely to give you an energy boost. Getting large amounts of vitamin B-12 through vitamin B-12 injections isn't likely to harm your health. But vitamin B-12 can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications, so if you receive vitamin B-12 injections, be sure to let your doctor know.

If you're hoping to lose weight, resist the lure of quick and easy solutions. What counts is a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy healthier foods and include physical activity in your daily routine. If you're worried about your vitamin B-12 level, talk to your doctor and consider eating more foods that are rich in vitamin B-12, rather than turning to vitamin B-12 injections.

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Top 10 Foods High In Vitamin B12

Vitamin B-12, or Cobalamin, is the largest and most complex vitamin currently known to man. A slight deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia, fatigue, mania, and depression, while a long term deficiency can potentially cause permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system. Vitamin B-12 can only be manufactured by bacteria and can only be found naturally in animal products, however, synthetic forms are widely available and added to many foods like cereals. Vitamin B-12 can be consumed in large doses because excess is excreted by the body or stored in the liver for use when supplies are scarce. Stores of B-12 can last for up to a year. Below is a list of the top ten vitamin b12 rich foods. Click here for other foods high in vitamin b.
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#1: Clams, Oysters, and Mussels
Shellfish are a great source of vitamin B12 and can be eaten raw, baked, steamed, fried, or made into chowder. In addition to vitamin B12 shellfish are a good source of zinc, copper, and iron. Clams provide the most vitamin B-12 with 98.9μg per 100g serving, accounting for 1648% of the RDA. That is 84μg (1401% RDA) per 3 ounce serving, and 187.9μg (3132% RDA) in 20 small clams, or 9.4μg (156.6 %RDA) in one small clam. Mussels and oysters are also good sources of B12 providing 600% RDA and 400% RDA per 100 gram serving. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Liver
Often appearing on the culinary scene as pâté, liver can also be prepared steamed or fried with onions and herbs. The liver of most any animal is packed with vitamin B-12, the highest on the list are: Lamb, beef, veal, moose, turkey, duck, and goose respectively. Lamb liver provides 85.7μg (1428% RDA) of vitamin B12 per 100g serving, or 72.85μg (230% RDA) in a 3 ounce serving. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Caviar (Fish Eggs)
Caviar and fish eggs are most often eaten as a garnish or spread. The eggs of whitefish contain the most vitamin B-12 with 56.4μg (940% RDA) per 100g serving. Caviar contains a third of that with 20μg (333% RDA) of vitamin B12 per 100g serving, 5.6μg (93% RDA) per ounce, and 3.2μg (53% RDA) per tablespoon. Chicken eggs, by comparison, only offer 1.29μg (22% RDA) of vitamin B-12 per 100g serving, or 0.65μg (11% RDA) per egg. Click to see complete nutrition facts. Buy Caviar from Amazon.com

#4: Octopus
Popular in Mediterranean, Japanese, and Hawaiian cuisine, octopus is a vitamin b12 rich food. Cooked octopus provides 36μg of vitamin B-12 per 100 gram serving accounting for 600% of the RDA. That is 30.6μg (510% RDA) per 3 ounce serving, or 10.2μg (170% RDA) per ounce. Raw octopus provides about half as much vitamin b12 with 20μg (333% RDA) per 100 gram serving, 17μg (283% RDA) in a 3 ounce serving, and 5.67μg (94.33% RDA) per ounce. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Fish
Known for their omega 3 fats and for being a high protein food, fish are also a good source of vitamin B12. Mackerel provides the most vitamin B-12 with 19μg per 100g serving (317% RDA), followed by Herring (312% RDA), Salmon (302%), Tuna (181%), Cod (167%), Sardines (149%), Trout (130%), and Bluefish (104%).
Click to see complete nutrition facts. Canned Fish Highest in Vitamin B12.

#6: Crab and Lobster
Crab and lobster are most commonly served baked, steamed, or in bisque. A 100g serving of crab contains 11.5μg of vitamin B12 (192% of the RDA), that is 15.4μg (257%RDA) per leg (134g). Lobster will provide 4.04μg(67% RDA) per 100g serving, or 6.59μg (110% RDA) in an average whole lobster (163g).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Beef
In addition to being a vitamin B12 rich food, beef is also a good source of protein, zinc, and heme-iron. The amount of vitamin B-12 in beef depends on the cut, lean fat-trimmed chuck contains the most vitamin B12 with 6.18μg (103% RDA) per 100g serving, 11.49μg (103% RDA) in a chuck steak, and 5.25μg (88% RDA) in a 3 ounce serving. Chuck is followed by sirloin (62% RDA), rib-eye (60% RDA), and ribs (58% RDA).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.


#8: Lamb (Mutton)
Lamb is a common meat in the Middle East, Mediterranean, East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe. Lamb is a high cholesterol food so be sure to look for lean cuts which are higher in B12 anyway. Lamb also provides high amounts of protein, and zinc. The shoulder is the cut of lamb with the most vitamin B-12 providing 3.71μg (62% RDA) per 100g serving, 5.82μg (97% RDA) per pound, and 3.15μg (53% RDA) in a 3 ounce serving. The shoulder is followed by the foreshank and leg which provides 53% of the RDA per 100g serving, and lamb chops which provide 51% of the RDA for vitmain B12 per 100 gram serving. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Cheese
Despite being a high cholesterol food, cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). The amount of vitamin B12 in cheese depends on type and variety, Swiss cheese provides the most with 3.34μg (56% RDA) per 100g serving, followed by Gjetost (40% RDA), Mozzarella(39% RDA), Parmesan (38% RDA), Tilsit (35% RDA), and Feta (28% RDA). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#10: Eggs
When it comes to chicken eggs the raw yellow has most of the vitamin B-12 with 1.95μg per 100g serving (33%), however, this equates to 0.33μg per yolk or just 6% of the RDA. The eggs of other animals are higher with a goose egg providing 7.34μg (122% RDA) of vitamin B-12 per 100g serving, and a duck egg providing 3.78μg (63% RDA)

B12 injections

Vitamin B12 injections are an effective and tested cure for patients suffering from a deficiency of the vitamin. Although there is much dispute vis-à-vis oral supplementation of cobalamin and nasal sprays, these injections are the classical, prescribed and accepted remedies for speedy recovery.

Patients suffering from pernicious anemia are treated with a regular dosage of vitamin B12 injections. This is due to the fact that they are unable to absorb sufficient vitamin B12 from their dietary food sources and therefore require intramuscular injections to aid absorption. Nowadays, there are substitutes in the form of oral supplementation; however physicians generally resort to this classical treatment.

Research findings show ample evidence to reveal that cobalamin injections of 1-2 mg per day can quickly correct deficiencies. It is not apparent whether smaller amounts, such as the 25 mcg or so found in multivitamins, are sufficient to cure deficiencies. Such a claim is substantiated by the fact that although oral supplementation with vitamin B12 is safe, efficient and inexpensive and most multi-vitamin pills contain 100-200 microgram of the cyanocobalamin form of B12, many multivitamins cannot be chewed, which is important for its absorption.

The body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 is reduced with increasing age. Older people are often detected to have a more potent vitamin B12 deficiency, even in cases where they do not suffer from pernicious anaemia. Moreover, an intake of vitamin B12 from food sources decreases markedly with an increase in age, probably because of a lack of stomach acid. The conventional way of fixing a vitamin B12 deficiency has been through intramuscular injections. Experiments also reveal that vitamin B12 intramuscular injections are useful healers of neurological disorders such as progressive memory loss and lethargy.

To maintain vitamin B12 status, the alternatives to high oral doses of cobalamin (500-1000 micrograms daily) are routine intramuscular injections at a dosage of 1 mg per month. This also helps to lower homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby reducing the probability of heart diseases and strokes.

The utility of vitamin B12 is not restricted to curing deficiencies. Injections can also serve therapeutic purposes. A vitamin B12 injection acts as a stimulant for energizing the body, through cobalamin, which transmits its “anti-stress” elements to the human body. For example a recommended effective cure for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is 6-70mg dose of vitamin B12 intramuscular injection per week for 3 weeks.

Vitamin B 12 provides detailed information on Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B 12 Creams, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency, Vitamin B 12 Injections and more. Vitamin B 12 is affiliated with Topical Vitamin C.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

lack of vitamin b12

Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencies

Author: Dr John Anne

Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well, because of its cobalt content. Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is an integral element in DNA formation. It functions with the binding of protein in food. During the digestion process, hydrochloric acid in the stomach discharges vitamin B12 from protein contents found in food. As soon as it is released, it binds with intrinsic factor (IF). Later intestinal tract absorbs this combination.





Vitamin B12 Sources





Vitamin B12 is a naturally derived substance. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products are the wise selection of vitamin B12 sources. Another great source of vitamin B12 is fortified breakfast cereals. This is a perfect choice for vegetarians to satisfy their vitamin B12 needs. Apart from that mixed spices prepared from mollusks and clam can be considered as one of significant vitamin B12 sources. Liver, beef, Trout, Salmon, Yogurt, Haddock, Clams, Tuna, Pork, and Chicken are the great sources of vitamin B12.





The requirement for vitamin B12 in a healthy adult is 2.4μg per day.





Vitamin B12 Functions





Essentially, vitamin B12 functions in various ways. The most important among all vitamin B12 functions is identified with the assistance in the neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitter is an important element that regulates almost every function in our body and mind. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism are also significant vitamin B12 functions. It helps in appropriate DNA replication process. It plays a significant role as a catalyst during hemoglobin synthesis. If you lack vitamin B12 in your daily diet, you may become anemic. It helps in red blood cells production. It helps in converting from homocysteine to methionine. This conversion is crucial in minimizing the risk of cardiac arrest.





Vitamin B12 Deficiencies





Typically vitamin B12 deficienciesmay occur due to two reasons one is inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food substances and the second reason is an inability to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. The later situation mainly occurs in the case of strict vegetarians. They suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly due to the fact that they do not consume any foods coming from animals.





The common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies may include constipation, memory loss, difficulty in walking or moving, megaloblastic anemia, mood disorder, numbness, sore tongue, disorientation, damage in the myelin sheath and dementia.





Pregnant women or lactating women need extra supply of vitamin B12, like any other essential nutrients. It passes to the placenta during pregnancy. Brest-fed infants receive their nutrients from their mother. Therefore a lack of nutrients may cause serious harm to their health. The women on vegan diet may lack the sufficient supply of vitamin B12. So the crisis may result within months of birth. If not taken into serious consideration, it may cause severe neurological damage in time.





Apart from that, individuals suffering from megaloblastic anemia or gastrointestinal disorder may receive benefits from vitamin B12 supplements. Few medications suggested for chronic problem may decrease the natural absorption of vitamin B12 in the body, in such cases additional supplements of vitamin B12 seem to be necessary.





As vitamin B12 supplements are essentially dependent on animal products, so we must understand that a strict vegetarian diet may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. In such cases, fortified cereals must be taken under consideration to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B12.





Potential Health Risk





There is no established UL so far for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. Till date, no such reports have been submitted in claim of adverse effects resulting from the usage of vitamin B12. However, medical studies conducted by Institute of Medicine say that individuals older than 50 years should depend on fortified foods to avoid possible vitamin B12 deficiencies. It is mainly because of the impaired absorption pattern for vitamin B12 coming from animal products, mostly prevalent at older ages.

About the Author:

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. Visit Vitamin B12 Deficiency at Vitamins and Minerals. Also read about Curcumin Benefits for complete information on Curcumin

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencies

dietary sources of vitamin b12

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the normal functioning of nerve cells and blood cells. It is also involved in the metabolism of all types of body cells, it's mainly affecting DNA regulation and synthesis. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, contains molecules of the metal cobalt and corrin ring.

Absorption

The process of absorption of vitamin B12 is complex one, and because of that, it often leads to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 absorption begins in the mouth through the mucosa membrane^. Acid in the stomach releases the vitamin B12 that is bound to the protein in food during digestion.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dose for an adult ranges from 2 to 3 micrograms a day. Pregnant woman may require 3 micrograms per day.

Using B12 supplements is safe as long as the recommended dose is not exceeded.

The main source of vitamin B12 is animal foods including meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk products, because of this, the Vegan Society recommends vegans to consistently eat B12 fortified foods or take a daily B12 supplements.

Food Sources

The main source of B12 comes from animal derived food, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk products.

• 1 half chicken breast provides some 0.3µg per serving or 6.0% of the recommended daily value
• 3 ounces of beef provides 2.4 µg per serving or 40% of your DV
• 1 slice of liver provide 47.9 µg or 780% of your DV
• 3 ounces of Molluscs provides 84.1 µg, or 1,400 % of your DV

Side effects

Itching, rash, temporary exanthema, and urticaria have been reported. Vitamin B12 and pyridoxine has been associated with cases of rosacea fulminans, characterized by intense erythema with nodules, papules, and pustules. Symptoms may persist for up to four months after the supplement is stopped, it may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids and topical therapy.

Diarrhea has been reported.

Vitamin B12 as Pernicious Anemia treatment

Vitamin B12 is used for the treatment of pernicious anemia (AKA Biermer's anemia) which is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 . For the body to properly absorb the vitamin B12 it first has to be combined with the intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein produced in the stomach). The absence of intrinsic factor prevents the normal absorption of the vitamin B12 and usually result in pernicious anemia. The treatment for Pernicious anemia is for life; supplemental vitamin B12 can be administered via injection or orally.

David C. is the author of the Vitamin Supplement Blog, read more about vitamins and supplements at http://www.myvitaminsupplement.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_G._Castro

vitamin b12 benefits

Vitamin B 12 helps to fight the symptoms of depression –

Studies have found that in approximately three out of ten patients hospitalized for depression, the patient was lacking sufficient vitamin B 12 levels.

Alzheimer’s – As many as 1 in 5 patients exhibiting early signs of memory loss and even Alzheimer’s were shown to be deficient in vitamin B12 levels. These patients significantly reduced the speed of memory loss, and in many cases reversed the symptoms of early Alzheimer’s with the proper doses of Vitamin B12.

Testing for Vitamin B12 deficiency should be a regular screening practice for older individuals, due to the decrease in an older body’s ability to properly absorb Vitamin B12 through known food sources rich in Vitamin B12.

B12 Vitamin Deficiency

B12 Vitamin Deficiency

Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencies

Author: Dr John Anne

Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin as well, because of its cobalt content. Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is an integral element in DNA formation. It functions with the binding of protein in food. During the digestion process, hydrochloric acid in the stomach discharges vitamin B12 from protein contents found in food. As soon as it is released, it binds with intrinsic factor (IF). Later intestinal tract absorbs this combination.





Vitamin B12 Sources





Vitamin B12 is a naturally derived substance. Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products are the wise selection of vitamin B12 sources. Another great source of vitamin B12 is fortified breakfast cereals. This is a perfect choice for vegetarians to satisfy their vitamin B12 needs. Apart from that mixed spices prepared from mollusks and clam can be considered as one of significant vitamin B12 sources. Liver, beef, Trout, Salmon, Yogurt, Haddock, Clams, Tuna, Pork, and Chicken are the great sources of vitamin B12.





The requirement for vitamin B12 in a healthy adult is 2.403BCg per day.





Vitamin B12 Functions





Essentially, vitamin B12 functions in various ways. The most important among all vitamin B12 functions is identified with the assistance in the neurotransmitter production. Neurotransmitter is an important element that regulates almost every function in our body and mind. Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism are also significant vitamin B12 functions. It helps in appropriate DNA replication process. It plays a significant role as a catalyst during hemoglobin synthesis. If you lack vitamin B12 in your daily diet, you may become anemic. It helps in red blood cells production. It helps in converting from homocysteine to methionine. This conversion is crucial in minimizing the risk of cardiac arrest.





Vitamin B12 Deficiencies





Typically vitamin B12 deficienciesmay occur due to two reasons one is inability to absorb vitamin B12 from food substances and the second reason is an inability to consume foods rich in vitamin B12. The later situation mainly occurs in the case of strict vegetarians. They suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies mainly due to the fact that they do not consume any foods coming from animals.





The common symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies may include constipation, memory loss, difficulty in walking or moving, megaloblastic anemia, mood disorder, numbness, sore tongue, disorientation, damage in the myelin sheath and dementia.





Pregnant women or lactating women need extra supply of vitamin B12, like any other essential nutrients. It passes to the placenta during pregnancy. Brest-fed infants receive their nutrients from their mother. Therefore a lack of nutrients may cause serious harm to their health. The women on vegan diet may lack the sufficient supply of vitamin B12. So the crisis may result within months of birth. If not taken into serious consideration, it may cause severe neurological damage in time.





Apart from that, individuals suffering from megaloblastic anemia or gastrointestinal disorder may receive benefits from vitamin B12 supplements. Few medications suggested for chronic problem may decrease the natural absorption of vitamin B12 in the body, in such cases additional supplements of vitamin B12 seem to be necessary.





As vitamin B12 supplements are essentially dependent on animal products, so we must understand that a strict vegetarian diet may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies. In such cases, fortified cereals must be taken under consideration to fulfill the requirement of vitamin B12.





Potential Health Risk





There is no established UL so far for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity. Till date, no such reports have been submitted in claim of adverse effects resulting from the usage of vitamin B12. However, medical studies conducted by Institute of Medicine say that individuals older than 50 years should depend on fortified foods to avoid possible vitamin B12 deficiencies. It is mainly because of the impaired absorption pattern for vitamin B12 coming from animal products, mostly prevalent at older ages.

About the Author:

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. Visit Vitamin B12 Deficiency at Vitamins and Minerals. Also read about Curcumin Benefits for complete information on Curcumin

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Vitamin B12 Sources, Functions and Deficiencies