[box]Vitamin B12 is critically involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body. It is also integral for the synthesis and regulation of our DNA, Fatty Acid synthesis and cellular energy production. Playing a huge role in our body, maintaining optimal levels of B12 is essential for overall health and development from infancy to old age.[/box]
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Dangers
B12 Deficiency can lead to a wide variety of health problems and reduce the quality of life of the sufferer significantly. Because Vitamin B12 is tied so closely with our cellular function and health, too little could mean problems in any of our body’s systems.
People who are most at risk of a Vitamin B12 deficiency are those with a MTHFR genetic mutation, vegans, vegetarians and anyone who doesn’t normally consume seafood and red meat.
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
[box]
-
Tiredness
-
Confusion
-
Dementia
-
Depression
-
Weakness
-
Loss of Appetite
-
Unexpected Weight Loss
-
Numbing and Tingling of Extremities
-
Poor Memory
-
Sore Muscles[/box]
Maternal Benefits of B12
An increasingly popular topic, not only regarding B12 and pregnancy, but the whole methylation cycle associated with the development of a child both inside and outside the womb.
MTHFR genetic dysfunction is an extremely common genetic mutation that affects nearly 1 in 2 people. Early studies have shown that parents with this genetic mutation have an increased risk of passing on severe health problems to their child, most specifically Autism.
Along with the increased risk of certain neurodevelopmental problems, individuals with MTHFR dysfunctions have a severely hindered ability to synthesize Glutathione. Making it very important to supplement with Acetyl Glutathione as well as the precursors for this, the body’s Master Antioxidant. Enhancing Glutathione levels with Acetyl Glutathione ensures a strong immune function and reduced risk of disease in children with an MTHFR defect.
Ensuring an optimal and balanced level of Vitamin B12 as well as Folate is vital for the healthy development of the fetus and infant. Helping to balance the methylation cycle and properly process the potentially harmful levels of homocysteine in the body.
Low maternal levels of Vitamin B12 are associated with:
[box]
-
Increased risk of neural tube defects
-
Low level of lean body mass
-
Increased insulin resistance
-
Impaired Neurodevelopment
-
Increased risk of cancer in infants[/box]
Everyone Else
The popularity of the maternal benefits of B12 may have overshadowed the overall benefits that everyone can enjoy. It is not only critical for the health and development of an infant inside and outside the womb. As we age our methylation cycle becomes less efficient, leading to a plethora of problems including Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Impairment and Cancer. So ensuring you have adequate levels of B12 throughout your life is extremely beneficial for your health and development.
Taking the Right Form of Vitamin B12
It is not enough to just supplement B12, even going to the doctor and receiving a B12 injection may not be the answer. This is because there are 4 main forms of B12, and generally you are receiving the wrong one.
Typically when you go to your M.D. and get a Vitamin B12 injection he will give you Cyanocobalamin. If you go to a N.D. or Naturopathic Doctor though, you will likely get Methylcobalamin.
Cyanocobalamin is the most commonly used form when it comes to injections and supplements because it is cheaper. Big surprise right.
The most readily absorbed form of Vitamin B12 when taken orally is Methylcobalamin.
Hydroxycobalamin is the most bioactive form of Vitamin B12, it is retained the longest in the body which means it needs to be supplemented less frequently. It cannot be taken orally however, meaning it needs to be administered through injections or through a nasal spray.
Without a doubt the easiest and most effective way to supplement Vitamin B12 levels in the body is by orally supplementing with Methylcobalamin.
For individuals with trouble processing B12 in the gut, you can supplement Methylcobalamin in a spray or patch. These options are often more expensive and less convenient though.
Top Reasons to Supplement B12 Methylcobalamin
[box]
-
Prevent Megaloblastic Anemia
-
Help Prevent Neurological Diseases like Multiple Sclerosis
-
Cancer
-
Alzheimer’s Disease
-
Prevent Inflammation
-
Enhance Energy Levels
-
Improve Memory
-
Improve Metabolism
-
Improve the Health of Hair, Nails and Skin
-
Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease[/box]
Top Food Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 can be found in many natural food sources. Most specifically it is found in abundance in red meat and certain seafood. Vegetarians therefore need to monitor their B12 levels closely and supplement regularly.
Here is a short list of the top foods for Vitamin B12:
[box]
-
Clams (3 ounces cooked) – 84 mcg
-
Beef Liver (3 ounces cooked) – 70 mcg
-
Wild Rainbow Trout (3 ounces cooked) – 5.4 mcg
-
Sockeye Salmon (3 ounces cooked) – 4.8 mcg
-
Top Sirloin Beef (3 ounces cooked) – 1.4 mcg[/box]
Other animal products also contain biologically active B12 but in much smaller amounts. These include foods like Milk, Yogurt, Eggs and Chicken, all with about 1 mcg of B12 per serving.
[button link=”https://glutathionepro.com/synergiagsh” size=”xl” color=”orange”]Top Methylcobalamin, Acetyl Glutathione Supplement[/button]
Dr.Oz, Joe Rogan and Glutathione
