Vitamin b-12 and folate are two of the main ingredients in many B-12 supplements. The others are Vitamin B-6 and biotin. Since b-12 and folate are considered very important to the human body, I thought I’d use this article to concentrate on those two ingredients.
What is B-12 and Folate?
According to the Labs Tests Online website, a public resource on clinical lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing, “B12 and folate are B complex vitamins that are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis.” [1]
Vitamin B-12 and Folate Deficiency
It’s more of a deficiency of b-12 and folate that causes problems rather than an over abundance of these vitamins. As a matter of fact, a lot of research and studies have been conducted on these complex vitamins. The main findings have been that a deficiency of b-12 and/or folate “can lead to macrocytic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of fewer, but larger red blood cells and a decreased ability to carry oxygen.” [1]
Information from Lab Tests Online also states that “a deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet and mental changes that range from confusion and irritability to severe dementia.” [1]
There are many symptoms that occur which leads doctors to a vitamin b-12 deficiency. However, ":the symptoms associated with B12 and folate deficiency are frequently subtle and nonspecific. They are related to the resulting macrocytic anemia, nerve involvement, and gastrointestinal changes. Patients with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms.” [1]
Other symptoms may include, “confusion, paranoia, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue/weakness, loss of appetite, malabsorption, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sore tongue and mouth, tingling, numbness, and/or burning in the feet, hands, arms, and legs (with B12).” [1]
Causes of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
One of the main causes that I’ve heard about, especially when it comes to the elderly, is inadequate absorption. Most of the elderly population is unable to absorb vitamin b-12 from the food they eat. And once again, according to the Labs Tests Online website, they confirm what I’ve come to learn over the past year. “B12 and folate deficiency may be due to insufficient intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or to increased need.” [1]
Lab Tests Online continues with, “B12 deficiency can be caused by insufficient stomach acid – necessary to separate B12 from ingested protein. This is the most common cause of B12 deficiency in the elderly and individuals on drugs that suppress gastric acid production. Deficiency may also be due to a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance produced by parietal cells in the stomach that binds with B12 before absorption by the intestines. An autoimmune condition called pernicious anemia involves damage to the parietal cells, resulting in decreased production of intrinsic factor.” [1]
Sublingual B-12
I believe it’s the deficiency and malabsorption factors that led to the invention of a patented Sublingual B-12 formula, on a trek to develop an easy to use B-12 and folate concentrated supplement. Before this formula came to the market, the most popular way to get the proper dose of the b-12 vitamin was through a shot, which had to be administered by a doctor, and was guaranteed to be absorbed into the body.
Many people have found success with the patented sublingual vitamin b12. It has become the number one selling product which is sold and distributed by only one company. As mentioned before, the b12 vitamin is very important, and should be taken on a daily basis. It’s almost impossible to get enough of b-12 and folate through a proper diet, especially if you’re starting to get up there in age.
Before taking any dietary supplement, you should talk to a health care professional or doctor. The information in this article is just to inform people of the health risks related to vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Although my information comes from reliable sources, it’s up to you to verify this information, just ask your doctor.
I believe that taking a b12 supplement on a daily basis is a must. To learn more about the sublingual vitamin b12, its patented delivery system, contact me.
Find Vitamin B 12 and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.
Sources:
[1] http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/vitaminb12.html