Vitamin B12 Deficiency What is Vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and nerve function. It is contained in high amounts in animal derived foods such as milk, eggs, and meat. The vitamin is stored in the liver long-term. Individuals with vegetarian, vegan, or other forms of restricted diet may develop the condition after approximately 6 months as liver stores of vitamin B12 become depleted. Some individuals develop the condition due to autoimmune destruction of cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency often develop hematologic abnormalities …show more content…
This disease is characterized by autoantibodies against intrinsic factor producing cells in the stomach (atrophic gastritis). Intrinsic factor is an important molecule that binds to vitamin B12 in the stomach, allowing the vitamin B12/intrinsic factor complex to become absorbed in the small intestine. Other disorders associated with B12 deficiency include celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease – this occurs as a result of malabsorption. Individuals that have undergone bowel resection of the stomach or small intestine (e.g., ileum) are also at increased risk. How common is vitamin B12 deficiency? Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the United States and often responsible for anemia and neurologic symptoms, particularly in the elderly. A study in the United Kingdom showed that the age-specific prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is about 5% in adults age 65-74 and 10% in adults age ≥75. Another research group reported a 24% prevalence in adults age 75-80. Studies in France show that 60%-70% of cases of vitamin B12 deficiency were related to gastric atrophy, while pernicious anemia was responsible for 15%-20% of cases. What are the symptoms and signs of vitamin B12 deficiency? The clinical features of vitamin B12 deficiency often include: • Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord •
Alkaline program for weight loss has a rich variety of foods. Most of these foods are readily available. Here are some of the ways in which alkaline diet work to cut off some extra pounds:
Vitamin B12 is an essential water soluble vitamin that must be carefully regulated to prevent deficiency related complications in the nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems (e). This review begins with a discussion of B12 absorption and role as a cofactor for L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase (e). Laboratory findings are interpreted along with associated disease conditions. Finally, assay methods are discussed including blood smear and complete blood count, B12 competitive-binding immunoenzymatic assay, homocysteine tandem mass spectrometry, methylmalonic acid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and the Schilling test.
Vitamin B12 deficiency limits selenium methylation and excretion resulting in higher tissue selenium levels and subsequent toxicity. It occurs in people whose digestive systems do not adequately absorb the vitamin from the foods they eat. Vegetarians who eat eggs and milk products are the most at risk because, on average, they consume less than half the adult vitamin B12 Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) while strict vegans (who don't eat any animal products, including meat, eggs, or milk) are at an even greater risk. Vitamin B12 is important since it works with the vitamin folate to make the body’s genetic material and help keep levels of the amino acid homocysteine in check which helps to decrease heart disease risk. It is also essential in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen through the blood to the body’s tissues. Life Extension gives offers some of selenium supplements. Babies who are born of parents with low selenium and vitamin B12 rich foods are at risk of anaemia.
Celiac Disease is an inflammatory disease that destroys the lining of the small intestines and prevents the absorption of nutrients and vitamins into the system. The patients' health suffers; their digestive system is unable to process gluten foods that contain wheat, barley, and oats. The cause of this disease is unknown; however, environmental factors and a genetic predisposition are suspected.
...levels. Although some patients cannot tolerate B12, there are B12 injection preparations for this purpose.
Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse, it helps make DNA, nerve and blood cells and is crucial for a healthy brain and immune system. It is estimated that up to 15% of people don't get enough of this essential nutrient.
Hepatitis B is a DNA viral infection that causes damage and inflammation to the liver. It was first discovered in 1965 by Dr. Baruch Blumberg. The HBV virus is very contagious and is even thought to be the most serious form of viral hepatitis and the most common viral infection on Earth. “HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV.” (Green, 2002, pg. 7) The virus can survive for about one week outside the body on a dry surface. According to Green (2002, pg. 7), “One in twenty Americans has been infected with the virus at some point in their lives.” Between the ages of 15-39 is when 75% of new HBV infections occur, according to Green (2002, pg.8).
Chronic HBV is developed when HBV infection dose not result in immunization and is defined as existence of HbsAG in the body for more than six months [1]. Progression from acute HBV to chronic HBV is highly influenced by the age at infection and is a common state for those infected at...
Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition that occurs from having too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is formed when red blood cells are broken down into protein and heme fragments. Heme is composed of unconjugated bilirubin, which binds with albumin and is transported to the liver where it combines with glucuronide to form conjugated bilirubin. Typically, the conjugated bilirubin would be excreted in the urine or feces once it is metabolized as urobilinogen. If the body is unable to rid itself of the bilirubin, it causes a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and other tissues which is known as jaundice.
A well-balanced diet contains all the necessary vitamins, and most individuals who follow such a diet can correct any previous vitamin deficiencies. However, persons who are on special diets, who are suffering from intestinal disorders that prevent normal absorption of nutrients, or who are pregnant or lactating may need particular vitamin supplements to bolster their metabolism. Beyond such real needs, vitamin supplements are also often popularly believed to offer "cures" for many diseases, from colds to cancer; but in fact the body quickly eliminates most of these preparations without absorbing them. In addition, the fat-soluble vitamins can block the effect of other vitamins and even cause severe poisoning when taken in excess.
Are you getting enough nutrition every day? If you're like most modern American women, constantly juggling your career, your family and your personal life, then you can bet that you're not getting all the nutrients that you need to stay healthy. Combining low nutrition and daily stress is a recipe for a health disaster! Luckily, you can fill the nutritional gaps in your life with the help of a daily multivitamin targeted specifically for women's health. Here is some important information to help you choose the right multivitamin.
A combination of folic acid, B 12, B6 and betaine can help avoid that scenario by minimizing the level of homocysteine.
Vitamin B-12 is essential for energy production as well as influencing the way your body uses carbohydrates.
My average intake is 66 mg. it is lower than the required Vitamin C intake. Deficiency in Vitamin C can develop scurvy, if vitamin C is missing on our diet. Oranges, lemon and other citrus fruits, bell pepper, kiwi broccoli, berries, tomatoes and papayas are rich in Vitamin C . Lack of Vitamin D on diet can develop rickets to small children. The required intake for this vitamins is 15microgram and my report is zero. Vitamin D can be achieved from exposure of skin to ultra violet rays of the sun. Vitamin E is responsible for transmission of nerve impulses, body weakness and eye problem that can cause blindness. My nutrient intake for Vitamin 10 mg AT and the require intake is 15 mg AT, which is 5 mg lower than the require amount. Food related to Vitamin E are green leafy vegies such as spinach, kale are rich in Vitamin E, in addition, broccoli, hazel nuts, squash and pumpkin are also rich in Vitamin E. My vitamin K intake is 3 microgram, way too low compared to the requirement which is 90 microgram. Vitamin K deficiency can cause hemorrhagic disease of new born. Food that gives Vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, canola oils, olive oils, and
Illness is one of the main causes when you don’t have enough vitamins in your system because your immune is weak by not having any vitamin. A weak immune system can make you more susceptible to a common cold or fever. It seems that taking vitamin supplements does not work as well as taking vitamin in by a healthy diet. When eating unhealthy you could get different types of diseases. Having a high blood pressure can cause a higher risk of strokes and heart problems along with diabetes. Over time our population