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Vitamin B12
Description: Cobalamin, commonly known as Vitamin B12, is needed for nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance called SAM (S-adenosyl methionine). It works with Folic Acid (another B vitamin) to control homocysteine levels.
Deficiency often occurs in vegans after several years following such an eating pattern. Deficiency is also common with several medical conditions as listed below.
Vitamin B12, taken in large doses, can decrease likelihood that asthmatics react to foods with sulfites.1
When taken as a group, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 have been shown to help lower HCL cholesterol levels.2 Higher levels of these three nutrients are often seen in patients with low levels of HCL.3 In some cases, the addition of a daily dose of betaine is needed before HCL levels reduce.4 Different amounts of each nutrient have been used in various studies; it is probably best to consult with a physician about the proper dosage.
Vitamin B12 is often deficient in Crohn’s Disease patients, as the disease interferes with the absorption of this vitamin.5 Supplementation may be needed to help restore depleted B12 stores.
Vitamin B12 is effective in combating depression.6 Even when B12 levels appear normal, the addition of a B12 supplement is often found to improve a patient’s mental state.7
Vitamin B12, taken orally (up to 500 mcg three times daily) or intravenously, reduces nerve damage caused by diabetes.8
Vitamin B12 may be effective in treating patients with hepatitis, according to an older study.9 No recent studies have been completed, however, to confirm this.
Vitamin B12 injections have been shown to increase sperm count in men with low sperm numbers.10
Several B vitamins – Folic Acid, B6, and B12 – reduce blood levels of homocystene. Since high homocystene levels appear to contribute to osteoporosis, taking these B vitamins may be an effective preventative measure.11
In children with diabetes, Vitamin B12 may be helpful in preventing the onset of retinopathy.12

Natural Sources: Dairy, Eggs, Fish, Meat, Poultry.

Useful in treatment of: asthma, atherosclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, depression, diabetes, hepatitis, high cholesterol, Male Infertility, osteoporosis, retinopathy.

Recommended Dosage: Varied based on disease.

Contraindications:

References:

1Anibarro B et al. Asthma with sulfite intolerance in children: A blocking study with cyanocobalamin. J Allerg Clin Immunol 1992;90:103–9.
2Ubbink JB, Hayward WJ, van der Merwe A, et al. Vitamin requirements for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in humans. J Nutr 1994;124:1927–33.
3Selhub J, Jacques PF, Wilson PW, et al. Vitamin status and intake as primary determinants of homocysteinemia in an elderly population. JAMA 1993;270:2693–98.
4Franken DG, Boers GHJ, Blom HJ, et al. Treatment of mild hyperhomocysteinemia in vascular disease patients. Arterioscler Thromb 1994;14:465–70.
5Goodman, K.I., & Salt, W.B., II. Postgrad Med 88: 147-50, 153-55, 157-58, 1990.
6Lindenbaum J, Healton EB, Savage DG, et al. Neuropsychiatric disorders caused by cobalamin deficiency in the absence of anemia or macrocytosis. N Engl J Med 1988;318:1720–8.
7Ellis FR, Nasser S. A pilot study of vitamin B12 in the treatment of tiredness. Br J Nutr 1973;30:277–83.
8Yamane K, Usui T, Yamamoto T, et al. Clinical efficacy of intravenous plus oral mecobalamin in patients with peripheral neuropathy using vibration perception thresholds as an indicator of improvement. Curr Ther Res 1995;56:656–70 [review].
9Campbell RE, Pruitt FW. The effect of vitamin B12 and folic acid in the treatment of viral hepatitis. Am J Med Sci 1955;229:8.
10Kumamoto Y, Maruta H, Ishigami J, et al. Clinical efficacy of mecobalamin in treatment of oligozoospermia. Acta Urol Jpn 1988;34:1109–32.
11Gaby AR. Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis. Rocklin, CA Prima Publishing, 1994.
12Kornerup T, Strom L. Vitamin B12 and retinopathy in juvenile diabetics. Acta Paediatr 1958:47:646–51
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