Description

What does Vitamin B12 do?

• It contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• It contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• It contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
• It contributes to normal red blood cell formation
• It has a role in the process of cell division
• It contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
• It contributes to normal psychological function
• It contributes to normal functioning of the immune system

Anybody at any age can become deficient but people may be at an increased risk if they are:

• Vegans and vegetarians
• Over 60
• Have eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Take antacids or diabetes-related drugs that may interfere with B12 absorption
• Have a history of alcoholism
• Have a family history of pernicious anemia
• Are diagnosed with anemia
• Have Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel or any disease-causing malaborption of nutrients
• Have an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes, SLE, Addison’s disease
• Women with a history of infertility or multiple miscarriages
• Infants born to women or breastfed by women who are already deficient or at risk of B12 deficiency

All forms of B12 are stable when protected from the light. Light exposure cleaves the cyanide with the production of hydroxocobalamin. The B12’s have optimal stability at a PH4.00-4.5, even at higher temperatures.

In the presence of acid or alkaline mediators the presence of reducing agents such as ascorbic acid, the vitamin is destroyed to a greater extent.

It is therefore advisable that B12 is not to be taken with fruit juice.