Could I Have Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is also called pernicious anemia.  Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells.  This vitamin is found in foods such as meat, eggs, shellfish, poultry and dairy products.  Your intestines have a special protein called intrinsic factor that helps you absorb vitamin B12.  This protein is made by cells in the stomach.  When there is not enough intrinsic factor produced, the intestines do not properly absorb vitamin B12.  This may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).  Symptoms of B12 deficiency include:  fatigue, lack of energy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, shortness of breath and bleeding gums.  Long term deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as:  confusion, depression, loss of balance and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Your physician will order blood to determine your vitamin B12 levels.  If you are found to be deficient, treatment involves either B12 injections or vitamin supplementation by mouth.  Your physician will also recommend eating a well- balanced diet.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers vitamin B12 testing and treatment management to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can B Vitamins Improve My Health?

The B vitamins are a group of vitamins which include B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12.   All of the B vitamins assist with vital health functions including cognitive stabilization, mood optimization, energy production and cardiovascular health.  To determine your vitamin levels, your doctor will order blood work.  If deficiencies are identified, a B complex vitamin or single B vitamins may be prescribed.

Folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels.  Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  Elevated homocysteine levels have also been identified as a risk factor for hip fractures in postmenopausal women, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer.  Vitamin B 12 is well known for its ability to boost energy.  It is a key nutrient in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates for energy, red blood cell formation and nerve protection.  Research has also shown that folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6 improve mood, decrease the risks of wheezing, allergies and asthma and are beneficial in migraine treatment and prevention.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.