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The Need for Sub-dermal Vitamin B-12 Therapy

Evidence-based medical research indicates that Vitamin B complex plays a key role in reducing depression, dementia and degeneration of the nerves. The following is a list of activities Vitamin B12 plays in daily physiological functions:

• Facilitates the metabolism of Folic Acid
• Functions as a methyl donor, which lowers homocysteine levels (high levels of which can be a risk factor for heart disease and memory loss)
• Helps synthesize proteins
• Involved in the production of neurotransmitters
• Needed for carnitine metabolism (which breaks down fat to provide energy)
• Needed for nervous system function
• Needed for red blood cell metabolism
• Required for proper digestion

Vitamin B-12, unlike other B vitamins, is stored in muscle and other organs of the body.  Vitamin B-12 goes a long way and what is stored lasts a long time. It takes years to deplete the body’s reserves.  However, after the age 40, and with a history of a western-based diet, other poor eating habits and the loss of the ability to efficiently absorb Vitamin B-12 from food, supplementation of Vitamin B-12 may be necessary.  Dr. Diaz will provide a complementary consultation prior to administration of Vitamin B-12 to rule out any medical contraindication(s) present.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is obtained mostly, but not exclusively, from eating animal products such as dairy and meat. Grass-and-grain-fed cattle get their vitamin B-12 from synthesis by microorganisms in their gastrointestinal tract. Synthesis in vegetarian animals is so tremendous that their milk and flesh is a chief dietary source of Vitamin B-12 for humans. 
Vitamin B-12 is also synthesized in the human GI tract, but not reliably enough for most people. This synthesis is enhanced by a good vegetarian diet that favors an internal population of beneficial, B-12 making bacteria.

Food Sources of Vitamin B-12 include:

	Lamb Liver	Trout	Clams	Chicken Liver	Egg Yolk
	Oysters	Eggs	Beef	Halibut	Dried Whey
	Brie Cheese	Calf Liver	Fresh Tuna	Scallops	Sardines

Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency include:

	Confusion	Fatigue	Elevated levels of homocyteine
	Constipation	Hallucinations	Numbness and tingling of extremities
	Depression	Insomnia	Poor appetite	Ringing in ears
	Dizziness	Irritability	Sore Tongue	Stiffness/Weakness

The end result can also be pernicious anemia, which is more than the classic inability to make enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Pernicious anemia also results in a sore mouth and tongue, assorted burning and tingling sensations (paresthesia), and eventually neurologic damage.

Causes of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

There are a number of causes of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency. These include:

• Overuse of Antacids (which can decrease absorption from food but not from supplementation)
• Colchicines (gout medication)
• Digestive disorders
• Nitrous oxide
• Potassium citrate and chloride
• Some oral hypoglycemic agents (which lover blood sugar)

Drugs that Deplete Vitamin B-12

The following is a list prescription drugs that deplete the body of Vitamin B12

	Oral Contraceptives	HIV/AIDS medications	Penicillin
	Neomycin	Amino glycoside	Histamine blockers
	Metformin	Fluoroquinolones	Sulfonamides
	Tetracycline	Nizatidine	Doxycyline

Diseases and Disorders that Can Improve with Vitamin B-12

The following is a list of diseases and disorders that can improve with Vitamin B-12 therapy:

	Anemia	Anxiety	Asthma	Bell’s Palsy	Dementia
	Depression	Epilepsy	Fatigue	Hepatitis	Infertility
	Insomnia	Numbness	Psychosis	Sciatica	Tinnitus
	Vitiligo	Hepatitis	AIDS	Retinopathy	Xanthelasma

Absorption and Supplementation of Vitamin B-12

Absorption of dietary B-12 takes place in the very last part of the small intestine, right before the colon. Absorption requires a biochemical helper molecule called “intrinsic factor,” (IF)which is a biochemical component normally secreted by cells lining the stomach. Strong stomach hydrochloric acid is required to split up this huge molecule.

The best approach to supplementation of Vitamin B-12 is via sub-dermal Vitamin B-12 shots. Alternatives, such as sublingual (under-the-tongue) supplements are ineffective because the Cobalamin molecule is too large to diffuse through the mucosa of the mouth. If your body no longer makes IF like it use to, oral VitaminB-12 supplements will be ineffectual. 

A 1,000 microgram (mcg) injection at least once a month is a non-invasive method used without the need for complex dosage testing. Compared to the US RDA of only about 3 mcg, this dose may appear large. But given the miserable nature of Vitamin B deficiency diseases, erring on the high side may be preferable to unnecessarily delaying recovery.

What to Expect: Benefits of Vitamin B-12 Therapy

Vitamin B-12 is a great choice for those you feel “run down” in need of extra energy. Within 4-6 days after receiving a B-12 injection, most patients experience an increase in energy level and stamina. Dr. Diaz suggests that shots be administered for overall health benefits at least once a month, until symptoms clear up. There are no side effects to B-12 overdose.

Clients who participate in a regime of Vitamin B-12 therapy report that it helps them:

• maintain good health
• reduce stress and fatigue
• improve memory and cardiovascular health
• maintain ideal body weight, and
• assists in converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy

If you have any additional questions about Vitamin B-12 therapy, Dr. Diaz offers a complementary consultation.