Do we need vitamin B12?

by Frunutta Advice

Do we need vitamin B12?

Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in metabolism. 

B12 is required by humans to use as a cofactor in DNA synthesis in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. B12 assists in maintaining a healthy nervous system, circulatory system, red blood cell formation, cell metabolism and immunity. Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet such as eggs and red meat. However, older adults, vegetarians, vegans, and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods, might benefit from the use of oral supplements or shots. Vitamin B-12 supplements also are recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding exclusively and follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

Vitamin B12 Dosage: How Much Should You Take per Day?

The average recommended amounts, “Reference Daily Intakes” (RDIs) by US FDA: measured in micrograms (mcg), vary by age:

And recommended “Reference Daily Intakes” (RDIs) by US FDA is:

  • Adults and Children ≥ 4 years: 2.4 mcg
  • Infants through 12 months: 0.5 mcg
  • Children 1 through 3 years: 0.9 mcg
  • Pregnant women and lactating women: 2.8 mcg

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be a serious health problem, according to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms may include:

  • strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
  • difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
  • anemia
  • a swollen, inflamed tongue, Problems with your oral health, like sore tongue and mouth
  • difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), confusion or memory loss
  • weakness
  • fatigue (Tiredness and weakness)
  • Gastrointestinal problems, like constipation or unexplained weight loss

Some people do not consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, while others cannot absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially among older people.

Does vitamin B12 interact with any medications?

When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.

Drug interactions include:

You should always speak with a trusted doctor before adding supplements to your diet, they may recommend a specific dose or might recommend changing drugs or timing doses to offset any potential interactions.

How many forms of Vitamin B12 are there?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is the largest and most complex vitamin out there. It is unique because it is the only vitamin that contains a metal ion, cobalt (hence its name).

The molecule that is attached to the cobalamin is called a donor. The two most common donors in supplements are cyanide (making the type of B12 known as cyanocobalamin, or cyano B12) and methyl (making methylcobalamin, or methyl B12). Two other forms you may find are hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin is a manufactured form of vitamin B-12. Bacterial fermentation is used in the industry to produce cyanocobalamin by the addition of potassium cyanide in the presence of sodium nitrite and heat. Once consumed, cyanocobalamin is converted to the biologically active adenosyl or methyl B-12. The two bioactive forms of vitamin B-12. Some individuals lack the enzymatic machinery to convert cyanocobalamin to its metabolic active forms. We at Frunutta have provided our customers with the options of both forms.

How to Absorb Vitamin B12 Without Taking a Shot

Now, whether you chew, drink, or swallow your vitamin the biggest issue is that the vitamin must survive the stomach acids and then the pancreatic fluids introduced in the small intestine, get absorbed by the intestine and finally survive the liver-bypass metabolism that all food must go through when swallowed.

Minimal of the original vitamin that was swallowed remains to be absorbed. If that was not bad enough vitamin B-12 requires to be bound to a protein called Intrinsic Factor (IF) to be absorbed into our body. As we age our body makes less and less IF and hence, we absorb less B12. Many complain of chronic fatigue or tiredness as they reach their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s which worsens with advancing age.

What is your best option if you do not want to get a B-12 shot in the butt? An excellent source of under the tongue B-12 currently available in the market allows bypass of the harsh environment of the gut or the need for attachment to IF. Under the tongue B-12 is absorbed directly into the bloodstream by osmosis as described above without the need of the Intrinsic Factor (IF). 

Summary

We at Frunutta provide our customers with two forms of vitamin B-12 so our customers can have a choice in their vitamins, Cyanocobalamin & Methylcobalamin (inactive and active).

Methylcobalamin is slightly more biologically active than cyanocobalamin.

Both methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin can treat vitamin B12 deficiency, and both will work for you*.

Cyano B12 is a cheap, synthetic, inactive form of B12 that is made with a cyanide donor and is used commercially. It is the most stable form because the cyanide molecule has the greatest attraction to the cobalamin, so it protects it from conditions like very high temperatures. In fact, the average person in good health will not go wrong with either, remember getting more B12 can never be a bad thing. Methylcobalamin is one of the two active forms of vitamin B12.

Bottom line, in most cases it is a personal preference.

Our under the tongue Micro Quick Absorb technology you will absorb your B-12 vitamin tablet quickly and easily under the tongue without concern for intrinsic factor or shots.

We at Frunutta want to make your hectic life a little easier and healthier!

If you think you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, talking to your doctor is the best, to determine an excellent course of treatment.

This information is only for educational purposes and is not medical advice or intended as a recommendation of any specific products. Consult your health care provider for more information. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Refrences:

    Your Cart

    Your shopping cart is empty.

    Subtotal
    $ 0.00 USD
    View cart
    Back to Blog
    Frunutta Dissolvable Vitamins