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The A-B-Cs
of Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12
Basics
A disease termed
Pernicious Anemia results if the body does not receive sufficient
amounts of Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin. Pernicious anemia
is a progressive disease that disrupts maturation of red blood
cells in bone marrow. The red blood cells do not receive enough
oxygen and the nervous system is affected. The symptoms of pernicious
anemia include extreme weakness, burning and/or tingling in the
extremities, weight loss, confusion, and loss of memory and balance.
Often elderly persons are affected by pernicious anemia. This
is because elderly people (due to aging) are unable to absorb
enough Vitamin B12 from foods eaten.
Dosage Guidelines
- Adults - 2.0
mcg
- Pregnant Women
- 2.2 mcg
- Women Breastfeeding
- 2.6 mcg
- Children - Consult
a medical professional prior to giving a child Vitamin B12
- Elderly - Consult
a medical professional to determine the correct dosage. The adult
dosage may not be suitable.
Sources
Vitamin B12 is
found in milk, eggs, fish, cheese, and animal protein. Liver
and kidney are good sources for this nutrient.
When purchased
in vitamin form, it may be labeled as cyanocobalamin. It is available
in multivitamins or as B-complex in tablet, soft gel, chewable,
liquid drops, and in lozenge form.
It has been determined
that Vitamin B12 may help prevent heart disease. Taking a combination
of Vitamin B12, folic acid, and Vitamin B6 decreased Homocysteine
(associated with heart disease) levels.
Cautions
Generally nontoxic.
Patients treated for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) should
check with a medical professional first. Some medications used
to treat this disorder may inhibit Vitamin B12 absorption.
Treatment
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