Vegetarians and vegans are not the only ones who can develop a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Whether you're young or old; a Paleo, gluten-free, or raw foods enthusiast, you too can suffer from this. According to the , one in every 31 adults in the US, age 51 or older, is deficient in vitamin B12.Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin required for many reactions in your body as well as for the health of your nerves, red blood cells, and DNA. Its most important role is as a methyl group donor, which is a crucial step in many of our main detoxification pathways. B12 has many forms, and the most common are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin (methyl-B12). Cyanocobalamin is commonly found in supplements and energy drinks. However, in order for our bodies to use it, cyanocobalamin must be converted into methylcobalamin. To make matters more complicated, about 50% of the population is estimated to have at least one mutation at the MTHFR gene and 10% has two mutations, meaning they're less able to methylate B12 or convert cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin.
(I personally have two gene mutations.) In fact, the more mutations one has at this gene, the less able one is to make this conversion, requiring supplementation with Methyl-B12, Folate, and B6. ADVERTISEMENTCommon Signs of B12 Deficiency:Weakness, fatigue or low energyShortness of breathHeart palpitationsLoss of appetiteDigestive issues such as diarrhea or constipationFrequent bruising or bleedingAnemiaDepression or mood issuesNumbness and tingling in hands or feetBrain fog, memory loss, confusion, dementiaIf ignored, a B12 deficiency can affect the entire body, leading to permanent brain and nerve damage. Sometimes B12 deficiencies can be overlooked and misdiagnosed as other disorders like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, autism, and some cancers.Best sources of B12Our bodies do not make vitamin B12, which means that we must get it through our diet or through supplementation. mon Causes of B12 Deficiency:The absorption, assimilation and methylation of B12 is a very complex process, which leaves many opportunities for error.
For this reason, even those who consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in their diets could still have a functional B12 deficiency. Some causes of B12 deficiency are: Vegan and Vegetarian dietsMTHFR gene mutationsPernicious anemiaAutoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease and systemic lupus erythematosusIntestinal inflammation from Crohn's or celiac diseaseExcessive alcohol consumptionSmall Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and leaky gutLow stomach acid from prolonged use of stomach acid-reducing drugsBariatric surgeriesHow to test for B12 deficiency:Complete Blood Count (CBC)This test, when it reveals the red blood cells to be very large, can indicate megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by a B12 and/or folate deficiency. Note that this doesn't always reflect how well the body is able to use B12—as it doesn't account for individuals with mutations at the MTHFR gene, for example. MTHFR genetic testThe more mutations one has to this gene, the more they require B12, folate, and B6 for their detoxification pathways and body to function optimally.
It's estimated that those with one mutation decrease their ability to methylate by 30% and those with two mutations decrease their ability to methylate by 70%, making it virtually impossible get adequate B12 from diet alone.Homocysteine testVery low or high blood levels of homocysteine can indicate a B12, folate, and/or B6 deficiency.Methylmalonic acid testThis measures the B12 stored in tissues, which makes it more specific to B12 deficiency than the other blood testsOrganic Acid TestThis is a test frequently ordered by a Functional Medicine physician to determine how well an individual is able processes, methylate and functionally use B12. I use this test most frequently on those with one or more MTHFR mutations.How do I get more B12?Eat a diet rich in animal proteinIndividuals without dietary restrictions or MTHFR mutations can simply consume more meat, fish, poultry, and eggs in their diets. You may also consider taking a high quality multivitamin with methyl-B12.Consume a high-dose oral supplement of methylcobalamin (methyl-B12)This option is a MUST for those with mutations at the MTHFR gene.
This is also recommended for vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, and anyone else with low levels of B12. When looking for B12 supplements in the store, be sure to look for it in the form of methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin. Methyl-B12 is the best form for the body to utilize and will have the greatest impact on your B12 levels. Take sublingual methyl-B12 drops A sublingual supplement of B12 is recommended for those with SIBO or other gut issues affecting absorption. Get B12 shotsThese are recommended for those with pernicious anemia or severely depleted B12 levels. Methyl- B12 can be injected directly into the muscle tissue to accelerate absorption and replenish muscle stores.How do I treat B12 deficiency?Optimize nutrition Fix gutCheck MTHFR genes and supplement if one or more mutationsTest CBC (Complete Blood Count)Ask your doctor to run Organic Acid TestSupplement if necessary* This is the Professional Version. Last full review/revision September 2016 by Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD
Drugs Mentioned In This Article * This is the Professional Version. For more foods high in vitamin B6 use the nutrient ranking tool.*Amount of vitamin B6 may vary greatly between products. Be sure to check nutrition labels for the exact amount of vitamin B6 from each individual product.Folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 Generic Name: folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 (FOE-lik AS-id) Brand Name: Examples include Folcaps and Folgard RX Support Group Q & A Supplementing the diet to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 is a vitamin combination. It works by increasing the amounts of folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 in the body. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Sports And Dietary Supplements: From Creatine To Whey Some medical conditions may interact with folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine. Use folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12. All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning, numbness, or tingling. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA. Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Store folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 out of the reach of children and away from pets. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12 or any other medicine.
Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using folic acid with vitamin b6 and b12. Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine.