Besides UTI’s being prevalent in the elderly, the issue of low levels of vitamin B-12 is one of the most frequent seen. The problems seen with this can be massive.
Among many of the functions of vitamin B-12, it’s role in activation of amino acids during protein formation and the anaerobic degradation of the amino acid Lysine make it critical in supporting the physical structure.
As we age, the maintenance of the frame of our body still requires all the supports we’ve needed throughout our life. When the availability of specific nutrients become depleted, and are missing, it’s not too hard to see a gradual decline of muscle, bone, and nerves.
The coenzyme of B-12 is required as a carrier of what’s known as methyl groups and hydrogen. This is necessary for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This being said, if you’re dealing with poor metabolism, it could be you’re dealing with significantly low levels of B-12.
We see a very definite connection between B-12 and folic acid. B-12 is responsible for it’s role in removing a methyl group from methyl folate to make the very important methionine. This is required for choline synthesis.
Why is this important you may ask. Choline is instrumental in preventing fatty liver. A fatty liver sets the stage for impaired fatty acid synths and is the first step in the slippery slope toward cirrhosis of the liver.
Impaired fatty acid synthesis can result in impaired function of the brain and nerves. The fatty insulation around the nerves called the myelin sheath becomes misformed in a B-12 deficiency, contributing to faulty nerve transmission. Basically, neurological disturbances result from prolonged B-12 deficiencies.
The replication of proper DNA is dependent on the function of coenzyme B-12 as a methyl group carrier. Changes in bone marrow with what’s called megaloblastic anemia (large immature red blood cells), can be seen when there’s depleted B-12 and the resultant failure of DNA synthesis. This goes to many lengths including poor cell division in the gastrointestinal tract and other epithelial tissues. General growth and repair within the system is curtailed as well.
I know this all sounds pretty technical, but you should get the picture that shows low levels of B-12 can halt normal function and cell division and repair. When we see issues involving the digestive system and intestinal health, low B-12 can be implicated.
Pernicious or megaloblastic anemia is the characteristic symptom of B-12 deficiency. This can be the result of inadequate intake or reduced secretion of intrinsic factor (responsible for the uptake of B-12), from the parietal cells of the stomach. These cells are the ones responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid, required for the digestion of your food.
This intrinsic factor binds to the B-12 and transports it into the small intestine. In the presence of calcium, this complex attaches to the intestinal wall, assisting it’s absorption into the blood stream.
Challenges which can inhibit vitamin B-12 absorption involve calcium deficiencies, but much worse, the shutting down of parietal cells with acid blocking drugs. Unfortunately, the use of these acid blockers is relied on far too often. The dispensing of them initially was only to be for a week or two while ulcers were healed. Now, the pharmaceutical companies are promoting the use of them as a daily dose with no end in sight.
The practice of gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), as well as the popular stomach bypass surgeries, takes the parietal cells out of the picture, setting the patient up for severe systemic challenges. In these cases, the use of intramuscular vitamin administration is one of the alternatives.
B-12 does not exist to any degree in the plant kingdom. This is why it’s common to see pernicious anemia among strict vegetarians and vegans. Again, here is where the use of parenteral B-12 would be indicated. The use of sublingual B-12 is another consideration. Absorption in the mouth can bring up vitamin B-12 levels.
Besides anemia, here is a short list of what could be seen in deficiencies: degeneration of the spinal cord, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, disorientation, numbness, tingling, ataxia, moodiness, confusion, agitation, dimmed vision, delusions, hallucinations, and eventually megaloblastic madness (psychosis).
As for me, I’ll keep my stomach, healthy stomach acid, and my red meat.
Among many of the functions of vitamin B-12, it’s role in activation of amino acids during protein formation and the anaerobic degradation of the amino acid Lysine make it critical in supporting the physical structure.
As we age, the maintenance of the frame of our body still requires all the supports we’ve needed throughout our life. When the availability of specific nutrients become depleted, and are missing, it’s not too hard to see a gradual decline of muscle, bone, and nerves.
The coenzyme of B-12 is required as a carrier of what’s known as methyl groups and hydrogen. This is necessary for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This being said, if you’re dealing with poor metabolism, it could be you’re dealing with significantly low levels of B-12.
We see a very definite connection between B-12 and folic acid. B-12 is responsible for it’s role in removing a methyl group from methyl folate to make the very important methionine. This is required for choline synthesis.
Why is this important you may ask. Choline is instrumental in preventing fatty liver. A fatty liver sets the stage for impaired fatty acid synths and is the first step in the slippery slope toward cirrhosis of the liver.
Impaired fatty acid synthesis can result in impaired function of the brain and nerves. The fatty insulation around the nerves called the myelin sheath becomes misformed in a B-12 deficiency, contributing to faulty nerve transmission. Basically, neurological disturbances result from prolonged B-12 deficiencies.
The replication of proper DNA is dependent on the function of coenzyme B-12 as a methyl group carrier. Changes in bone marrow with what’s called megaloblastic anemia (large immature red blood cells), can be seen when there’s depleted B-12 and the resultant failure of DNA synthesis. This goes to many lengths including poor cell division in the gastrointestinal tract and other epithelial tissues. General growth and repair within the system is curtailed as well.
I know this all sounds pretty technical, but you should get the picture that shows low levels of B-12 can halt normal function and cell division and repair. When we see issues involving the digestive system and intestinal health, low B-12 can be implicated.
Pernicious or megaloblastic anemia is the characteristic symptom of B-12 deficiency. This can be the result of inadequate intake or reduced secretion of intrinsic factor (responsible for the uptake of B-12), from the parietal cells of the stomach. These cells are the ones responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid, required for the digestion of your food.
This intrinsic factor binds to the B-12 and transports it into the small intestine. In the presence of calcium, this complex attaches to the intestinal wall, assisting it’s absorption into the blood stream.
Challenges which can inhibit vitamin B-12 absorption involve calcium deficiencies, but much worse, the shutting down of parietal cells with acid blocking drugs. Unfortunately, the use of these acid blockers is relied on far too often. The dispensing of them initially was only to be for a week or two while ulcers were healed. Now, the pharmaceutical companies are promoting the use of them as a daily dose with no end in sight.
The practice of gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), as well as the popular stomach bypass surgeries, takes the parietal cells out of the picture, setting the patient up for severe systemic challenges. In these cases, the use of intramuscular vitamin administration is one of the alternatives.
B-12 does not exist to any degree in the plant kingdom. This is why it’s common to see pernicious anemia among strict vegetarians and vegans. Again, here is where the use of parenteral B-12 would be indicated. The use of sublingual B-12 is another consideration. Absorption in the mouth can bring up vitamin B-12 levels.
Besides anemia, here is a short list of what could be seen in deficiencies: degeneration of the spinal cord, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, disorientation, numbness, tingling, ataxia, moodiness, confusion, agitation, dimmed vision, delusions, hallucinations, and eventually megaloblastic madness (psychosis).
As for me, I’ll keep my stomach, healthy stomach acid, and my red meat.
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