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Quick B12 in Liquid Form

WHAT IS B-12?
Vitamin B-12 is a red crystalline substance isolated in 1948, when it was determined to prevent pernicious anemia, a red blood cell deficiency. Later it was discovered to be important in energy, immune and nerve functions. Whereas the other B vitamins are water-soluble, B-12 is stored in the body, especially in the kidneys and liver, and it can take years of inadequate intake or declining digestive ability before a severe deficiency shows up. Unfortunately, when a severe deficiency does show up it manifests as damage to the brain and nervous system, which may occur without even revealing itself as anemia.

WHY SUPPLEMENT WITH B-12?
Our stomachs secrete a digestive compound called "intrinsic factor" that helps the body absorb vitamin B-12 through the small intestine. Certain factors cause this substance to decline, including reduced stomach acid, which occurs in certain blood types (type A and AB), and with aging and a strict vegetarian diet. Vitamin B-12 is only readily available in the diet from animal protein. The highest amounts being found in kidney, liver, meat, eggs, fish and cheese. While it appears to exist in fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso, and in algae such as spirulina, most experts agree that this is an analogue form. That is, it looks like B-12 under a microscope but doesn't actually function as such in the body.

WHY SUBLINGUAL?
Because of this tendency towards mal-absorption, the medical profession uses injection to provide patients with a guaranteed amount of B-12. Another way to bypass the need for "intrinsic factor" is to take the supplement under the tongue, which allows it to enter the blood stream through the mucous membranes. Less painful than an injection and just as effective, this simple method can be used without the need to see a doctor.

WHY METHYLCOBALAMIN?
The last generation of vitamin B-12 in supplemental form was known as cyanocobalamin. This was an inactive form and required conversion by the body into something that could be utilized. The newest form is known as methylcobalamin, and is considered an active form of the vitamin, immediately available for use by the body. Studies comparing cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin in cancerous rats, showed that only the methyl form prolonged their lifespan.

WHAT DOES B-12 DO?
Most importantly, vitamin B-12, along with folic acid, is required to synthesize DNA, build red blood cells and maintain the myelin sheath that hold nerve cells together and conducts signals along the nerves. This makes it critical to prevent neurological diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and ALS. It has been estimated by some researchers that if doctors were liberal with B-12 injections, that they could cut senile dementia amongst seniors in half. Deficiency of B-12 is also linked to depression and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. B-12 is required for the cells with a high turnover rate, including those that line the internal mucosal membrane, from the top orifice to the bottom one. Along with vitamins B-6 and folic acid, B-12 helps to keep homocysteine levels in check. High homocysteine is linked to heart disease, as it allows cholesterol to trap in the arteries.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

  • Nerve damage shows up first as an aggressive tingling sensation or a burning or numbing sensation in the extremities.
  • Due to its support of the mucosal membranes, deficiency can show up as a red, swollen tongue and/or consistent diarrhea
  • Asthma, including childhood asthma.
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Reduced fertility: B-12 can improve sperm count and motility.
  • Tinnitus: Ringing in the ear, as well as noise-induced hearing loss.
  • Sleep disorders, since B-12 helps to make Melatonin in the body.

DOSAGE
Most supplements provide 1,000 mcg (1mg) of B-12 per serving. If you are deficient in B-12 it is suggested that one takes 2,000mcg daily for one month, followed by 1,000mcg daily thereafter for another month. A blood test can be done to see if the deficiency has been rectified. Dosages for infertility run as high as 6,000mcg daily while for neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis they may go as high as 60,000mcg daily.

While no toxicity has ever been recorded with regards to B-12, as usual we suggest that you do not take it 7 days a week. At the very least skip weekends and reduce dosage when you feel your deficiency has been eliminated. While it may be very safe we still do not wish to create a dependency on the supplement, except in extreme cases where the B-12 is serving a pharmaceutical therapeutic function.