Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is an oxygen carrier; it decreases blood cholesterol; it metabolizes fat. Vitamin B12 is essential in humans for healthy nerve tissues. Its deficiency is associated with heart palpitations.



Please note that it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms: if you treat yourself for the wrong illness or a specific symptom of a complex disease, you may delay legitimate treatment of a serious underlying problem. In other words, the greatest danger in self-treatment may be self-diagnosis. If you do not know what you really have, you can not treat it!

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The term "Vitamin B12" refers to a group of cobalamin compounds, of which the most frequently used is cyanocobalamin. All vitamin B12 found in nature is made by microorganisms (bacteria essentially), and none is found in sterile plants. In the early to mid 1800s, an unrecognized vitamin B12 deficiency was referred to as pernicious anemia because it was almost always fatal. It was not until 1948, though, that researchers finally isolated the active principle in liver now called vitamin B12. The isolation used a charcoal filter that added the stabilizing effects of cyanide, thus cyanocobalamin is one of the major stable forms used today for supplementation purposes.

Source
Food Sources of Vitamin B12. Those who don't like taking supplements can eat fortified foods, including fortified soy milks and rice milks, breakfast cereals, fake meats, sea weeds, one type of nutritional yeast (Red Star Brand Vegetarian Support Formula) and so on. Read labels. The main thing to remember if you rely exclusively on fortified foods is that you have to eat them at least twice each day. Some people prefer this method because it is the most natural. For example, one might have some B12-fortified cereal or soy milk for breakfast, and for supper also a serving of something with B12 in it, like another cup of fortified soymilk or a teaspoon of B12-fortified nutritional yeast.

The best sources of B12 are animal-derived: liver, meat, salt-water fish, oysters, milk, eggs, aged cheese such as Roquefort, and fortified brewer's yeast. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in the soil and on the surface of unwashed fruits and vegetables. Those on an animal-free diet may wish to eat unwashed, organic produce whenever possible.

There is debate over the reliability of non-animal sources of Vitamin B12. It was found that people on vegan diets had lower levels of serum B12 levels than the general population. In particular, infants breast-fed or fed a macrobiotic diet directly are at a great risk of developing B12 deficiency.

Non-animal sources which claim to have significant amounts of B12 such as tempeh, micro-algaes (spirulina, chlorella), miso, tamari, and sea vegetables (nori, arame, kombu, wakame) have been found to have negligible amounts, or B12 analogues that show up on lab tests, but don't have the activity of real B12.

It should be noted that there are different techniques for measuring the B12 content of foods. Furthermore, the B12 content in fermented foods, such as tempeh, may be different due to varying production techniques. In Indonesia, traditionally-produced tempeh is loaded with B12-producing bacteria which grow on the molds commonly growing on the food. In the U.S., however, large scale production and improved sanitation decreases the mold and bacteria and the subsequent B12 content of the food. The most reliable non-animal, but natural, source of B12 seems to be fortified brewers yeast.

Function; Reasons For UseLike most of the vitamins, B12 is required as a cofactor for various enzymes. Every DNA-synthesizing cell requires vitamin B12. It facilitates the cyclic metabolism of folic acid, which is essential for thymidine (one of the four DNA bases) synthesis. It also transfers a methyl group from methylfolate, helping to convert homocysteine to methionine.

Because plants have no appreciable amounts of B12, vegetarians are often at risk of slowly developing vitamin B12 deficiency.

DirectionsThere appears to be some confusion among practitioners of natural medicine about whether oral, sublingual or intramuscular administration is preferable for patients requiring vitamin B12 therapy.

Blood levels of B12 indicate that sublingual B12 becomes available as early as 15 minutes after administration and are still elevated at 24 hours, suggesting that a once-daily dose of 2,000-4,000mcg would be an effective preventive measure. [Bhat N.K. - Presentation at the 43rd Annual Meeting, American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, 1987]

A year's supply of 1,000mcg vitamin B12 tablets costs under $20, which is less than the cost of going to the doctor's office for injections. On the other hand, patients who are likely to be noncompliant with oral therapy should be seen regularly by a doctor and treated with intramuscular injections.

The current US RDA for vitamin B12 is 6mcg, but less for children and more for nursing and pregnant women. For those suspected of having low B12 levels, 2,000mcg once a day for two weeks sublingually should replenish stores. Those with problems absorbing B12 should continue taking their B12 sublinbgually.

When vitamin B12 is being used for its pharmacological effects, as in the treatment of fatigue, Bell's palsy, diabetic neuropathy, subdeltoid bursitis, or asthma, intramuscular injections appear to be preferable to oral administration. Although there is little published research in this area, clinical observations suggest that orally administered vitamin B12 is not particularly effective against these conditions. It appears that very high serum concentrations are usually needed for vitamin B12 to exert its pharmacological effects, and that these serum concentrations can be achieved only with IM administration.

Long-term B12 Supplementation
B12 supplementation is especially important for those who consume few or no animal products - vegetarians, vegans and raw-food vegans/fruitarians.

There are two basic ways to use supplements - weekly or daily. Probably the simplest method is to chew up one B12 supplement containing 2,000mcg or more once a week. The reason you should ideally chew or let it dissolve under your tongue is to enhance absorption. For some people it is hard to remember to take something once a week and they may prefer to get into the habit of taking something every day, which is more physiologically natural.

If you take your B12 supplement every day then you can take much less - you only need about a 100mcg a day that way. This can be achieved through chewing up the smallest tablet you can find every day, or even just a piece of one tablet.







Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) can help with the following:


Autoimmune Vitiligo
Because many people with vitiligo also have stomach malfunction, they do not absorb vitamin B12 and folic acid very well. This may be part of the reason why these nutrients, along with vitamin C, are often successfully used as part of a vitiligo repigmentation program. Suggested doses are 5mg folic acid and 1000mg vitamin C, twice daily. For the best chance of success, the vitamin B12 should be given by injection, 1000mcg weekly. Several months are usually required before early repigmentation is seen.

Myasthenia Gravis
To enhance acetylcholine levels take vitamin B12 1000mcg sublingually each day.

Circulation
Atherosclerosis

Diet
A Raw Food/Fruitarian Diet
B12 supplementation is HIGHLY recommended for those on a raw food vegan diet.

A Vegan Diet
B12 supplementation is highly recommended for those on a vegan diet.

A Vegetarian Diet
B12 supplementation is generally recommended for those on a vegetarian diet.

Digestion
Atrophic Gastritis
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Vitamins B12, A, D, E and K along with calcium and a lactose-free diet are often recommended by clinicians treating IBS.

Hormones
Histapenia (Histamine Low)

Infections
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
H. Pylori infection may result in Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Inflammation
Bursitis
Vitamin B12 injections at 1mg daily for two weeks has eliminated pain in the majority of cases of shoulder and hip bursitis.

Lab Values
Elevated Homocysteine Levels
Since most people with a high homocysteine level don't get enough folic acid, vitamin B6 or B12 in their diet, supplementing with these vitamins helps return homocysteine to normal levels.

Mental
Anxiety
Low B12 levels have been found to be related to self-reported overall distress level and specifically to depression, anxiety, confusion, and possibly nervousness as well as to clinically rated depressed and anxious mood. [J Psychosom Res 2000 Feb 1; 48(2): pp.177-85]

Metabolic
Sulfite Sensitivity
Supplementation with B12 may reduce sulfite sensitivity. In one study the oxidative action of vitamin B12 was able to block a sulfite-induced bronchospasm in 4 out of 5 asthmatic children. In another study, the following conditions responded to B12 use: Intractable asthma - 18 out of 20 patients improved; Chronic urticaria - 9/10 improved; Chronic contact dermatitis - 6/6 improved; Atopic dermatitis - 1/10 greatly improved and 5/10 moderately improved with 1000mcg IM once weekly for 4 weeks. [J Allergy 2: 183- 5, 1951]

Blood levels of B12 indicate that sublingual B12 becomes available as early as 15 minutes after administration and is still elevated at 24 hours, suggesting that a once-daily dose of 2000-4000mcg would be an effective prophylactic measure. [Bhat N.K. - Presentation at the 43rd Annual Meeting, American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, 1987]


Not recommended for:
Metabolic Diet Type

Musculo-Skeletal
Muscle Cramps / Twitching

Nervous System
Bell's Palsy
Methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, was compared with steroids in a trial involving 60 patients with Bell's palsy. The shortest time required for complete recovery of facial nerve function occurred in the group receiving Methylcobalamin alone. A therapeutic dose would be a minimum of 1500mcg and a maximum of 6000mcg per day, by injection. It was administered by intramuscular injection 3 times weekly for 8 weeks (or until recovery). The results of this study have not been validated, and administration of methylcobalamin has not become a common treatment.

Cyanocobalamin is reported to have worked in a couple chronic cases at high doses also. [J Indian Med Assoc 33: pp.129- 31, 1959]

Nervous Breakdown Tendency
Chronic mild to moderate B12 deficiency may be associated with nervousness. A study was carried out on 1081 healthy young men aged 17-29 which measured current mental state through the 'Adjective Check List' test. There was a very high correlation (p<0.05) between those found to be chronically deficient in vitamin B12 (based on repeated measures of plasma cobalamin levels) and those who were found to be significantly more anxious.

Nutrients
Vitamin B12 Requirement
Treatment is highly effective. The form of vitamin B12 known as hydroxocobalamin is given by injection into a muscle twice during the first week and then weekly until the anemia and all other symptoms of deficiency have been fully corrected. It may be necessary to stay on a maintenance dosage of vitamin B12 every three months for life to stop the problem coming back.

Organ Health
Hepatitis
Vitamin B12 (with or without folic acid) has been reported in studies from the 1950s to help some people with hepatitis.[1] [2] Vitamin B12 injections are likely to be more beneficial than oral administration, though 1,000mcg taken orally each day can also be supplemented.

[1] Campbell RE, Pruitt FW. Vitamin B12 in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Am J Med Sci 1952;224: pp.252–62
[2] Campbell RE, Pruitt FW. The effect of vitamin B12 and folic acid in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Am J Med Sci 1955;229: pp.8–15

Respiratory
Asthma
In one clinical trial, weekly 1,000mcg intramuscular injections produced definite improvement in asthmatic children. Of 20 patients, 18 showed less shortness of breath on exertion, as well as improved appetite, sleep, and general condition. When given sublingually prior to a sulfite challenge, vitamin B12 appears to be especially effective in cases of asthma caused by sulfite sensitivity.

Skin-Hair-Nails
Hives
Vitamin B12 injections, at least 1000mcg weekly, has been reported to reduce the frequency and severity of urticaria in chronic cases. [J Am Geriatr Soc 1964;12: pp.79-85]



Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine) can help prevent the following:


Aging Alzheimer's Disease
Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to an increased risk Alzheimer's disease. [Neurology, May 2000] It remains unclear as to whether B12 supplementation will reduce the risk.




KEY
May do some good
Likely to help
Highly recommended
May have adverse consequences


GLOSSARY

Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter widely distributed in body tissues with a primary function of mediating synaptic activity of the nervous system and skeletal muscles.

Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.

Alzheimer's Disease (Alzheimer's)
A progressive disease of the middle-aged and elderly, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.

Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.

Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.

Atopic (Atopic Allergy)
Genetically predisposed toward developing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental allergens.

Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.

Bell's Palsy
One-sided facial paralysis of sudden onset and unknown cause. The mechanism is presumed to involve swelling of the nerve due to immune or viral disease, with ischemia and compression of the facial nerve in the narrow confines of its course through the temporal bone.

Bronchospasm
Sudden involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes.

Bursitis
The bursa is a fluid-filled pad that allows your muscles to easily slide over other muscles and bones. Bursitis occurs when this pad becomes inflamed. It usually occurs when you overuse or injure a specific joint, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain and inflammation around joints such as the elbow, hip, shoulder, big toe, ankle or knee.

Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.

Chlorella
A freshwater, nutritive, single-celled green algae superfood; a regenerative tonic, blood builder, anti-viral, anti-biotic, and anti-carcinogenic that enhances the immune system. It facilitates heavy metals being removed (chelated) from the body.

Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.

Cobalamin (B12, B-12, Cobalamine, Vitamin B12)
Essential for normal growth and functioning of all body cells, especially those of bone marrow (red blood cell formation), gastrointestinal tract and nervous system, it prevents pernicious anemia and plays a crucial part in the reproduction of every cell of the body i.e. synthesis of genetic material (DNA).

Cofactor (Cofactors)
A substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects, often a coenzyme.

Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.

Dermatitis
A general term used to refer to eruptions or rashes on the skin.

Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.

DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.

Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.

Folic Acid
A B-complex vitamin that functions along with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in the utilization of proteins. It has an essential role in the formation of heme (the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells) and DNA. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.

Helicobacter Pylori (Pylori)
H. pylori is a bacterium that is found in the stomach which, along with acid secretion, damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers. Although most people will never have symptoms or problems related to the infection, they may include: dull, 'gnawing' pain which may occur 2-3 hours after a meal, come and go for several days or weeks, occur in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty and be relieved by eating; loss of weight; loss of appetite; bloating; burping; nausea; vomiting.

Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time. It is very unpleasant to the sufferer but tends to be harmless and usually does not lead to more serious complaints. The symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day. In order to be diagnosed with IBS, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen; bloating; constipation; diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucous in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.

Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.

Macrobiotics (Macrobiotic)
A lifestyle and diet adapted from the Far East and made known in America by Michio Kushi. The principles of the diet consist of balancing the yin and yang energies of foods. In brief, yin foods, such as water, are expansive, while yang foods, such as salt or meat, are constrictive. For the most part, the diet consists of whole grain cereals, millet, rice, soups, and vegetable dishes, with beans and supplementary foods depending on the individual and the condition. Different types of cancers are considered either yin or yang, and the macrobiotic program must be adapted to each individual.

Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.

Methionine
Essential amino acid. Dietary source of sulfur and methyl groups. Important for proper growth in infants, nitrogen balance in adults, healthy nails and skin and the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), bile, carnitine and endorphins. It is an antioxidant nutrient and lipotropic agent which promotes the physiological utilization of fat.

Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.

Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.

Neuropathy
A group of symptoms caused by abnormalities in motor or sensory nerves. Symptoms include tingling or numbness in hands or feet followed by gradual, progressive muscular weakness.

Pernicious Anemia
Anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pharmacological
Involving the use of drugs.

RDA (RDAs, US RDA, USRDA)
Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins or other nutrients as determined by the FDA. U.S. RDAs are more widely used than RDAs, and focus on 3 age groups: Infants of 0-12 months; Children of 1-4 years; Adults and children of more than 4 years.

Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.

Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.

Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.

Sublingual (Sublingually)
Situated or administered under the tongue, for example sublingual glands or sublingual tablets.

Sulfite Sensitivity
A person can develop sulfite sensitivity (allergy) at any point in their life but the cause is often unknown. Sulfites are sulfur-based compounds that are added by food manufacturers and restaurants for many purposes such as reducing discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables; preventing black spots on seafood; inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in fermented foods such as wine; conditioning dough; maintaining the stability and potency of certain medications. The most common symptom is difficulty in breathing. Sulfites give off the gas sulfur dioxide, which can cause irritation in the lungs and cause a severe asthma attack for those who suffer from asthma. Responses vary; sulfites can also cause chest tightness, nausea, hives, or even anaphalactic shock.

Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).

Urticaria (Hives)
Commonly known as hives, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen by allergists. Urticaria is not just an allergic disease, however. It can be caused by metabolic diseases, medications, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, or physical sensitivity. Traditional allergies to foods or medications as well as viral illness are frequent causes of acute urticaria which usually lasts only a few hours but may last up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than 6 weeks) is more complex, given the vast number of potential triggers. Symptoms include sudden onset; initial itching; then swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges; welts turn white on touching; new welts develop when the skin is scratched; usually disappear within minutes or hours. Welts enlarge, change shape, spread or join together to form large flat raised areas.

Vegan (Veganism, Vegans)
A person who consumes no animal products of any kind. In other words, vegans do not consume meat, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, honey, or products containing gelatin or any other animal-derived ingredients such as whey powder or food colorings.

Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian, Vegetarianism, Vegetarians)
A person who consumes no meat, fish or fowl (chicken, turkey, etc.), but who may consume animal products such as dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, etc.), eggs or honey.

Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.

Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.