Do you get enough Vitamin B12?
When you follow a vegan diet, you might not be getting enough Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is not synthesized by your body, you can only get it from animal sources, including dairy, eggs, fish meat and poultry, or fortified foods. With age, it becomes harder for us to absorb this vitamin, so a supplement may become necessary.
If you think you may be B12 deficient, don’t self medicate. Get in touch with Doctor Ziya so she can give you a full evaluation and let you know the best way to proceed.
More importantly, be aware that not all B12 is the same – neither pills NOR injectables. Be wary! Cyanocobalamin is cheap for a reason – it’s junk. Check your label and if this is your product; please reach out. You do not want this product inside of you!
What does Vitamin B12 do?
- Supports steady energy levels
- Essential for healthy neurological function
- Aids in synthesis of red block cells
- Promotes healthy cognition
- Needed for numerous biochemical reactions involved in synthesis of DNA and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine
Who is at risk for being deficient in Vitamin B12?
- Those who have atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned
- Those who have pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12
- Those who have conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite
- Alcoholics or those who drink heavily
- Those who have immune system disorders, such as Graves’ disease or lupus
- Those who have been taking certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12. This includes some heartburn medicines including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 Blockers, and certain diabetes medicines.
- Those who follow a vegan diet
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- A smooth tongue
- Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas
- Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking
- Vision loss
- Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes
Doctor Ziya’s solution: Tricobalamin Lozenges
Why lozenges? The lozenge delivery system of Tricobalamin allows for two routes of B12 absorption: 1) directly through the tissues in the mouth, and 2) bound by a protein secreted in the saliva that carries it to the gastrointestinal tract. These lozenges have a great-tasting natural orange flavor and do not contain artificial sweeteners or colorings.
Each lozenge provide a synergistic combination of the three bioavailable forms of vitamin B12, as methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin. These three forms of B12 are naturally present in foods and can be readily converted in the body to the active intracellular forms of B12. While most individuals can absorb and use all three forms of B12 in this product, some forms may be more effective for certain individuals, so Tricobalamin includes all three for maximum efficacy.
It is important to discuss this and all supplements with your health care provider before taking.
Nutritional supplements are not all created equal.
As Doctor Ziya has said in a recent blog post, over-the-counter supplement brands, including those you’d find at a health food store, often contain questionable additives like dyes, sugar, soy, gluten, fillers, and high fructose corn syrup; they even sometimes contain less of the active ingredients than are stated on the label. With little regulation in place for the supplement industry, it is important to trust the source of nutraceutical products.
Meridians and Marathons confidently recommends Designs for Health supplements because we know our patients are getting quality, clean ingredients that meet or exceed label claims, and are in bio-available forms for maximum efficacy. Designs for Health has all raw materials and finished supplements tested by a third-party lab for identity, potency, and unwanted contaminants like heavy metals, mold, and pesticides. This means you are getting what’s on the label, with nothing undesirable. Designs for Health is GMP certified, indicating that they adhere to good manufacturing practices.
This does not constitute medical advice in any way, if you have questions about your personal health situation contact Dr. Ziya OR other licensed medical provider.
