It is also called as extrinsic factor of castle and it is a water-soluble vitamin.
In the year 1948 Smith and Parker isolated cyanocobalamin from the liver. In the year 1955 its complex structure was determined. It is a difficult organo-metallic compound with a cobalt atom. Vitamin B12 assists with folate in the synthesis of DNA, so deficiency of moreover leads to megaloblastosis.
It contains cobalt, so it is also called as cobalamin. It is generally synthesised by bacteria and is found mainly in meat, eggs and dairy products. There has been significant research into proposed plant sources of vitamin B12. Fermented Soya products, seaweeds, and algae like spirulina have all been suggested as containing important B12. On the other hand, the present consensus is that any B12 present in plant foods is likely to be unavailable to humans and so these foods should not be relied upon as safe sources. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system, and growth and development in children. Deficiency can reason anemia. Vitamin B12 neuropathy, having the degeneration of nerve fibres and irreversible neurological damage, can also happen.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
B12 deficiency and MS symptoms
Vitamin B12 deficiency is estimated to affect 10%-15% of individuals over the age of 60.
A recent study in Israel of elderly hospitalized patients found 40% had low or borderline serum B12 levels. Vegetarians are another group with inadequate dietary B12 intake since much of our B12 comes from meat consumption. A recent study showed 50% of long term vegetarians have B12 deficiency, with decreased serum B12 levels and elevated homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause unusual neurological symptoms such as tremor, gait disturbance, severe pain, and can mimic MS (multiple sclerosis) or even Parkinson’s Syndrome. The physical signs and symptoms can often mimic other diseases and the diagnosis is frequently missed.
An excellent book on the topic is: Could it Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnosis by Sally M. Pacholok, R.N. and Jeffrey J Stuart, D.O.
Most doctors do not test for B12, and even they do a blood test, they do the standard serum B12 which is unreliable. A more accurate test called the methyl malonate test has been devised.
The substance, Methyl Malonate is elevated in the urine and serum in patients with B12 deficiency.
Should the B12 level be low in spite of oral or sublingual B12 supplements, then inexpensive B12 injections can be taken at home. Recent work by Kuzminski showed that daily 2 mg. oral B12 serves as well as monthly 1 mg intramuscular B12 injections.
Other tip offs: Serum Homocysteine is elevated in B12 deficiency. And red blood cell size (MCV) is enlarged.
It is important to discover B12 deficiency early, since nerve damage can be irreversible if not discovered right away.
B12 Deficiency by Jeffrey Dach MD
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
Web Site Jeffrey Dach MD
Natural Medicine 101
Post a Comment