B12 Cyanocobalamin 250mcg

Many elderly people are considered to be deficient in B12, a key nutrient for energy production and immune function. Used for treatment of anemia and fatigue, B12 is required for DNA production and it requires calcium, B6 and iron to assist in its full utilization by the body. Extra B12 can be used with a B Complex or Compound.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is a water soluble vitamin necessary for energy production; for nervous system function as it is needed to produce myelin, the fatty substance that forms a protective sheath around nerves; for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with memory and learning; for the synthesis of red blood cells; for producing the genetic materials, DNA and RNA.

Vitamin B12 works with folic acid to control homocysteine levels. Research shows that high levels of homocysteine may dramatically increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Vitamin B12 is the most complex of the vitamins and is the only naturally occurring organic compounds that contains cobalt. Cyanocobalamin is the commercially available and most stable form of vitamin B12.

Deficiency is more often caused by improper absorption (often because of a lack of 'intrinsic factor,' an enzyme required for vitamin B12 absorption) than by inadequate intake. However, it is easily depleted in those individuals on a vegetarian diet, making supplementation essential.

B12 has provided relief of the following symptoms:
* fatigue, increased nervous irritability, mild impairment in memory,
* inability to concentrate, mental depression, insomnia and lack of balance.
* B12 also has been used successfully in the treatment of hepatitis, bursitis, and asthma.

The minimum daily requirement for vitamin B12 can be exceeded by ten thousand-fold with no signs of toxicity. Excesses are excreted in the urine. However, as the B vitamins work together, it makes sense to take a B-complex when taking high amounts of any B vitamin.

Blood tests may not show B12 deficiencies if folic acid levels are high. Since a vegetarian diet is usually high in folic acid but low in B12, vegetarians need to be conscious to have sufficient sources of B12 in their diet to prevent permanent nerve and brain damage which results from deficiencies over extended periods of time.

People who have problems with vitamin B-12 absorption should consult their nutritionally-oriented health professional to measure their serum B-12 status before supplementing.