B-12 Deficiency

Please note that this page is not yet completed and will be fully updated in the comming months with alot more information.

 

What is B-12 and why is it important?

Vitamin B-12 is essential for our bodies to function. It is crucial for the proper formation of red blood cells. B12 is also important for the release of energy.

Who gets deficient in B-12?

B-12 is prevalent in those people you have gastrointestinal problems, such as people with Crohn’s disease or Celiacs disease, and people who have had parts of their bowel removed.

Vegans have also been known to be more susceptible to B-12 deficiency, along with the elderly.

What do the levels of B12 mean?

It varies between pathology centre’s and countries.

Some people have levels of B12 in excess of 3000 (this is good). Some research says 1000 + should be the aim for everyone.

When undertaking a blood test for B12, a deficiency will only generally be confirmed if below 200 (depending on the pathology centre and country). However some professionals will treat you for deficiency if your levels are below 300, as some people start to experience deficiency symptoms at this level. Research is varied, and there is controversy over which levels should be considered ‘deficient’. In my personal opinion every single person is different, and one level in one person may manifest very different symptoms to the next person, and treatment should be provided based on the individual, not the ‘norm’. But im not a doctor……..

What are the symptoms?

B-12 symptoms can vary dramatically between people and also how severe the deficiency is.

Symptoms can include:

• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• low brain function, such as memory problems
• 'brain fog'
• lack of motivation
• irritability
• depression
• dozziness
• confusion
• apathy
• tingling

Is it really that serious?

One word: YES

If B12 deficiency is not caught soon enough it can lead to irreversible nerve damage and brain damage. Severe B12 deficincy can also cause heart damage.

Are there any tests?

Yes, ask your GP/Doctor to be tested for Vitamin B-12 Deficiency. This is blood test. While you are there, you should get a Full Blood Count, to see the effect on your red blood cells.

I have also heard of a urine test for B-12 deficiency, but I’m not sure how common place that test is.

What is the B-12 Deficiency treatment options?

Well…. It depends on who your doctor is, who’s blog you looked at or what research you have read.

The general consensus is that the injections are the most effective. You can also take sublingual tablets (meant to be absorbed through the mouth) or a spray or liquid drops under the tongue. You can also get a B12 nasal spray, which I have not tried as I have sinus problems. Whatever you do, if you have a B-12 Deficiency, do not take a B12 pill that is to be absorbed in the stomach.

If you take the sublingual B12 you will need a lot higher doses than the injection dose, as not as much of it gets absorbed by the body.

Me personally, I am getting injections (not frequent enough) and also taking sublingual tablets and B12 spray.

There is a great resource that you can print off and take to your doctor regarding the appropriate treatment plan for B12, you can find the website at the end of the page.

I have used the following products:

Biocueticals B12 spray - Biocuetical brand you cannot buy online, you have to buy it froma Naturopath or from sleected Health stores. My FAVOURITE Health sotre is Great Earth in Melbourne on Elizabeth ST. They have the best prices and have a lot of knowledge about their products. HIGHLY recommend them.

Puritians Pride 5000mg B12 ( highest does ive found!) Please note the shipping for australia is a huge amount, however it is worth it as the product is cheap and you get a free one as well. So I normally buy a lot of products at once to make it worthwhile, at it still works out A LOT cheaper then buying elsewhere.

B12 strips from Biovea.

To be honest I don’t necessarily recommend the brands above, because frankly at the moment I can’t get enough B12 full stop. So I’m not sure if I can really recommend as such. I do know that I really like other Biocuetical products, Puritians Pride was recommended to me by someone else with B12 deficiency and Bioveas strips…. I just found on the internet.

Any research or resources available?

A brilliant website answering most of your B12 questions: http://www.b12d.org/

Could it be B-12? (book) and website, a must read book! : http://b12awareness.org/

BBC – B12 deficiency video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXx7uIYBcXk