Vitamin B12 :Uses in the control of ArthritisVitamin B12
This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection. What is vitamin B12?Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt. This vitamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells . It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from proteins in foods during digestion. Once released, vitamin B12 combines with a substance called gastric intrinsic factor (IF). This complex can then be absorbed by the intestinal tract. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. Fortified breakfast cereals are a particularly valuable source of vitamin B12 for vegetarians Research on Vitamin B12 and ArthritisIn one of the clearest studies on the role of nutrition in managing arthritis studied the impact on grip strength and perceived arthritis pain. A study using vitamin b12 supplements compared to 2 control conditions was under taken. First their was a cleansing period with a 10 day abstinence from any vitamins or arthritis pain relieving drugs. For three two-month periods, they randomly took (1) 6,400 mcg of folate, (2) 6,400 mcg folate and 20 mcg B12, or (3) a placebo. They were also instructed to take Acetaminophen as needed for arthritis pain. Following the study it was reported in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (Aug. 1994;13:351-6) that patients taking B12 and folate could exert greater hand-grip pressure than those taking just the folate or the placebo. The subjects taking B12 and folate also reported less arthritis pain and stiffness. In addition, patients taking the two vitamins had much less need for arthritis pain medicine. B12 Deficiencies in VegetariansStrict vegetarians and vegans are at greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency than lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians because natural food sources of vitamin B12 are limited to animal foods. Fortified cereals are one of the few sources of vitamin B12 from plants, and are an important dietary source of B12 for strict vegetarians and vegans. Strict vegetarians and vegans who do not consume plant foods fortified with vitamin B12 need to consider taking a dietary supplement that contains vitamin B12 and should discuss the need for B12 supplementation with their physician. Those of you who are strict vegetarians should be aware of possible B12 deficiency. Signs and symptoms include symmetrical paresthesias ( a sensation of tingling, burning or numbness) in the toes, feet, hands, and fingers. Patients will typically complain of tingling, burning, numbness, stiffness, and weakness, along with tight, band-like sensations that can involve other extremity joints including the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. Symptoms can manifest as memory loss, mood swings, and paranoia. In a recent study, 47 of 78 adult vegetarians had low vitamin B12 levels. Furthermore, when people change from a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet to a vegan diet, their B12 levels dropped another 35 percent. Finally, when they gave oral B12 supplements (150 mcg) to the patients, those who chewed their vitamin B12 had higher serum levels than those who swallowed their vitamin B12. When studying B12 supplementation the delivery method can be a determining factor. Young Adults and Vitamin B12It is generally accepted that older adults are at greater risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency than younger adults. One study, however, suggests that the prevalence of B12 deficiency in young adults may be greater than previously thought. This study found that the percentage of subjects in three age groups (26 to 49y, 50 to 64y, and 65y and older) with deficient blood levels of vitamin B12 was similar across all age groups but that symptoms of B12 deficiency were not as apparent in younger adults. This study also suggested that those who did not take a supplement containing vitamin B12 were twice as likely to be B12 deficient as supplement users, regardless of age group. However, non-supplement users who consumed fortified cereal more than 4 times per week did appear to be protected from deficient blood levels of B12. Read on for both medical and natural treatment approaches Some of our Moist Heat wraps for Arthritis ....
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