Vitamin B12 Patch Research
Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin and has the most complex structure of all the vitamins used by the human body. B12 is incredibly important to the human body as it is heavily involved in the normal function of the brain and central nervous system. In addition, it is necessary for the formation of blood. In fact, B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body.
Vitamin B12 is found in meat products, shellfish, and dairy products. Thus vegetarians and vegans are at a high risk of developing a deficiency of B12 and need to consider taking Vitamin B12 supplements. Certain cereals are now being fortified with B12, which offers another way to insert this essential nutrient into your diet. A B12 deficiency can be extremely serious and lead to what is known as pernicious anemia, which is fatal if not treated.
As you age, bacteria builds up in your intestines and decreases the efficiency with which you absorb B12. It is the Hydrochloric acid in your stomach that releases the B12 from the foods you eat and is then sent through the intestines where the absorption begins. If the B12 is not absorbed it simply passes through your system and is unable to perform its function. As such, Vitamin B12 supplements may be necessary for those over the age of 50.
History of Vitamin B12
The history of Vitamin B12 is tied in with the history of what is called pernicious anemia. Sometime in the 1850's, Thomas Addison coined the term pernicious anemia to describe a form of anemia characterized by what he thought was a lack of acid in the stomach and which is a lethal illness.
It was in the 1920's that it was discovered that pernicious anemia could be treated by giving patients large amounts of raw liver. In 1929, a better understanding of the cause of pernicious anemia was discovered. The terms "extrinsic factor" and "intrinsic factor" referred to the liver's active ingredient (extrinsic factor) and what was necessary for the absorption of the extrinsic factor (intrinsic factor). This extrinsic factor was Vitamin B12 and the intrinsic factor was stomach acid (Hydrochloric acid). The stomach acid is necessary to unlock the B12 from the proteins in the foods that you eat.
In 1948, pure Vitamin B12 was produced in the lab and began to be available as a supplement to help fight pernicious anemia. Along the way, several Noble Prizes were awarded for the research and development of B12.
In recent years, as the trend in health and medicine has moved toward more natural cures and treatments, Vitamins such as B12 have garnered renewed interest. Vitamin B12 is now used to treat a large number of ailments such as anemia, depression and sleep disorders to name only a few. Vitamin B12 is now available in over-the-counter supplements either by itself or as a part of a daily, all-in-one vitamin supplement.
Benefits of Vitamin B12
B12 is necessary for the proper functioning of your body, which means a deficiency of this vitamin can have serious health consequences. To understand the benefits of Vitamin B12, you should know the signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Tingling of the hands and feet
- Memory loss
- Soreness of the mouth and tongue
- Loss of appetite
- Patches of non-pigmented skin
- Problems maintaining balance
- Unhealthy weight loss
Some of these symptoms are only annoying, while some can become incredibly serious. The longer you allow the deficiency to continue, the more serious these conditions can become.
The benefits of having the correct amount of Vitamin B12 in your system are virtually endless. Some of the more common health issues that can be aided by getting the recommended amount of B12 include the following:
- Anxiety
- Colon health
- Digestion
- Dyslexia
- Irritability
- Nail biting
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep regulation
- Uncontrollable muscle twitching
The real issue is the necessity for B12 to be a part of your personal health. There is much to be gained by regulating the amount of B12 in your diet. If you are a vegan, a senior citizen, pregnant or nursing, you are at a more serious risk of not getting enough Vitamin B12.
B12 benefits your entire body because of its role in your central nervous system and brain function. Vitamin B12 can help you to feel more like yourself-your mind may feel stronger and your thoughts more clear. A healthy night's sleep and a better daily outlook on you life can be possible with the healthy consumption of Vitamin B12.
Health Claims of Vitamin B12
The list of health claims associated with Vitamin B12 is extensive and long. Most of these claims stem from the fact that a deficiency of B12 causes many health problems of which a change in diet or adding a B12 supplement can resolve.
The health claims of Vitamin B12 affect many of the functions of the brain and the central nervous system, though they do extend further than that. Vitamin B12 has been used in the treatment of numerous ailments such as the following:
- ADHD
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Migraine Headaches
- Viral Infections
These health problems are not caused solely by a Vitamin B12 deficiency. However, by getting the correct amount of Vitamin B12, many of the symptoms associated with these ailments can be lessened or even stopped.
Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B12
The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B12 depends upon many factors, mostly involving your age and depending upon whether or not you are pregnant or nursing. The average adult should get about 2.4 micrograms of B12 per day. This can generally be gotten by eating enough proteins and/or fortified foods such as specific cereals. If you are pregnant or nursing the amount jumps to 2.8 micrograms, and, again, you should be able to get this amount from the food you eat as long as you are not a vegetarian or vegan.
At the point a child reaches the age of 14, he or she should then be getting the same amount of B12 as an adult. There is a sliding scale as a child ages as to how much B12 they should be getting. It is always a good idea to consult your pediatrician about the diet of your child. Your doctor can recommend the correct amount of Vitamin B12 for your child based upon his or her age and development.
Those who are over the age of 50 should begin considering a different source for getting their Vitamin B12. Because of age, Vitamin B12 will be better absorbed in the form of fortified foods and/or a Vitamin B12 dietary supplement rather than through meat and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 patches can also be purchased and worn. They are easy to place on your body and are only worn once a week for a period of 24 hours. These patches should not be used on sensitive skin and you should keep an eye out for the development of a rash in the area of the patch. There is also a B12 shot that can be taken, which is very efficient in the absorption of Vitamin B12.
Summary of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an integral part of a healthy diet. Making sure you are getting the proper amount and also making sure your body is absorbing the proper amount is a part of maintaining good personal health. The health of your mind and body are tied into the correct intake of Vitamin B12 (and other nutrients) and the body's efficient absorption of these nutrients.
As scientists learn more about the human body, the importance of vitamins such as B12 becomes more apparent. Prevention of serious diseases, as well as minor ailments, can be greatly aided by taking in the correct amount of essential nutrients. Whether you get Vitamin B12 through your food diet or through supplements, Vitamin B12 should be a part of your personal health plan.
Understanding your diet and current personal circumstances, along with consulting with your doctor, will help you to decide how to properly include Vitamin B12 into your diet and promote a stronger mind and body.
