Print This Article Post Comment Add To Favorites Email to Friends Ezine Ready

Vitamin B12 Benefits

By: Juliet Cohen Home | Health-and-Fitness | Supplements


Vitamin B12 has a long history and a solid reputation as an energy booster, and it is among the most important of all the B-complex vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency may result negative in hematological, neurological, and gastrointestinal conditions. Gastrointestinal effects of B12 deficiency may include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, and a burning sensation on the tongue. Vitamin B12, a member of the B-vitamin family, is a term used collectively to represent a group of cobalt-containing compounds known as corrinoids. The principal cobalamins are cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (adenosylcobalamin). However, the term vitamin B12 is usually used to refer to only one of these forms, cyanocobalamin, which is used to fortify foods and nutritional supplements. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin required for normal cell activity, DNA replication, and the synthesis of the mood-influencing substance SAMe. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, works with folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 also keeps your central nervous system healthy.

Vitamin B12 helps maintain the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibres from each other. B12 deficiency can cause a type of anemia marked by fewer but larger red blood cells that's called pernicious anemia. It can also cause walking and balance problems, sore tongue, weakness, confusion and, in advanced cases, dementia. Vegetarians who eliminate all animal sources from their diet (also known as vegans) may benefit from taking a vitamin B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Hydroxocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12's main functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenence of a healthy nervous system. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage. People with vitamin B12 deficiency show irregular destruction of the myelin sheaths, which eventually causes paralysis and death.Vitamin B12 levels decrease with age and various measures of cognitive impairment are associated with reduced B12 status. Vitamin B12 deficiencies occur when the body is unable to properly use the vitamin.

Benifits Vitamin B12 Tips

1. Vitamin B12 are critical to the health of the nervous system and to a process that clears homocysteine from the blood.

2. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in food sources (principally animal products) in protein-bound forms.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a factor in a variety of different health conditions and disorders.

4. Vitamin B12 may help restrain pre-cancerous lung conditions in smokers.

5. Patients with Alzheimer's show low levels of Vitamin B12.

6.3 Vitamin B 12 and folate are required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl group donor essential for the metabolism of neurotransmitters.

7. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a factor in a variety of different health conditions and disorders.

8. Vitamin B12 has been suggested to help defend against hypersensitivity to sulfites.



Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

About the Author:
Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.healthatoz.info.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Supplements Articles Via RSS!

Recent Related Articles From Supplements

  • Getting To The Root Of Hair Loss Vitamin Deficiency
    By: Irina Thorton | Dec 6th 2008
    Debates over hair loss vitamin deficiency are still ongoing. On one side, we have people claiming that hair loss is not due to vitamin deficiency. The other side says that losing your hair due to nutrient deficiency is very real. What is the truth about hair loss vitamin deficiency? Read

  • Understanding The Cause Of Hair Loss Vitamin Deficiency
    By: Irina Thorton | Jan 1st 2009
    The debate over hair loss vitamin deficiency has been raging even up to now. There is the side that says hair loss is not due to a lack of vitamins in the body. The other side says that losing your hair due to nutrient deficiency is very real. What is the truth about hair loss vitamin deficiency? Read

  • Nutritional & Vitamin Deficiency: What Is It And How To Avoid It
    By: Regina Cheah | Mar 29th 2011
    An article that discusses what nutritional and vitamin deficiency is, the symptoms, diseases and illnesses they can create and how to prevent it. Read

  • The Medical Benefits Of Acupuncture Are Too Numerous To Count
    By: Mike Herman | Jan 3rd 2007
    There are many medical benefits of acupuncture as acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat the symptoms of many diseases and health conditions as well as to promote good health and well-being. Read

  • Signs You Could Have A Vitamin Deficiency

    The majority of Americans suffer from at least one vitamin deficiency, but don't even know it. It's easy to pass off that fatigue as not getting enough sleep, or attribute the brittle hair to stress. Read

  • How To Improve Your Nervous System Naturally
    By: Kari Farmer | Sep 20th 2010
    A healthy nervous system is key to a relaxed mind, calm body and overall well-being. If you routinely suffer from anxiety, insomnia, muscle twitches, and/or low appetite, your nervous system may need some support. Read

  • Common Problems Of The Nervous System
    By: Brain | Jan 8th 2008
    When the nervous system is affected through irritation, damage, or disease, it can result in either partial or complete paralysis. Read

  • The Yin And Yang Of Biological Systems - The Autonomic Nervous System
    By: Tremayne Reiss | Jan 17th 2009
    This article deals with the importance of the autonomic nervous system and how emotional trauma disrupts the balance of this system Read

  • We Enjoyed The Benefits Of Cord Blood Preservation
    By: jackson daren | Nov 1st 2010
    We were in great dilemma regarding storing of our child’s cord blood cells when doctors told us to do that. While deciding however, we stuck to balance our financial aspects with our needs and values. Finally, we took over cord blood cost offered by Cyro. Read

  • The Hair Loss Women Experience May Be Due To A Vitamin Deficiency
    By: R Kalpana | Oct 21st 2009
    If you think the hair loss women experience is not that important to them, you are mistaken. Women take it ten times harder than men when they begin to lose their hair. The loss of hair could be the result of a vitamin deficiency or it could be associated with child birth. Read this article to learn more about this serious ... Read


Copyright © 2005-2011 eArticlesOnline, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy