I swear by taking Vitamin B1 for stress, energy, mental health, etc. I recently read that nerve damage can be caused by a Vitamin B12 deficiency. If you know me, you will know that it lead to more research. I wanted to share my finding with you.
I remembered a few people mentioning that when you take a Vitamin B supplement it is important to take the other Vitamin Bs so that your body does not produce deficiencies in the other Vitamin Bs. I take Vitamin B6, though. I once read B6 is good for water retention, but never really took Vitamin B12. It was suggested that I take a Vitamin B Complex so that I get them all, but most Vitamin B Complex does not have a very high dosage. I would be better off taking a multi-vitamin, at least from my perspective.
First thing I did was went to Vitacost.com to find out what types of Vitamin B12 were available. The first one I ran across was a sublingual (melts under your tongue) supplement. I remembered when Dr. Vikki Petersen was on my show she mentioned that she uses sublingual supplements. They work faster.
In researching sublingual Vitamin B12 I discovered that after it dissolves under your tongue it goes directly into the blood stream versus through your digestive tract. Supplements that you take orally may take a couple of hours to digest, versus the almost instantaneous effect of using sublingual supplements.
Vitamin B12 Benefits
Through my research and through reading the reviews of sublingual Vitamin B12, I found that it gives you energy and elevates your mood. I also discovered that it is good for fighting disease and provides mental clarity. It also improves memory. I remember that from when my mother used to take it in her late 70s. It also helps our bodies form proper red blood cells and neurological function.
Of course, none of these benefits are proven by the FDA. They are too busy with all the money-making prescription drugs that give us many side effects. However, the FDA has approved a new Vitamin B12 drug which is a man-made form of B12 to help maintain levels of Vitamin B12 for those with deficiencies. Crazy, huh?
Wikipedia states, “Deficiency results in a macrocytic anemia, elevated homocysteine, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss and other cognitive deficits. It is most likely to occur among elderly people, as absorption through the gut declines with age; the autoimmune disease pernicious anemia is another common cause. It can also cause symptoms of mania and psychosis. In rare extreme cases, paralysis can result.”
Food Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is not found in plant sources such as vegetables and fruits, but in animal products such as meat and dairy. Because of this, vegans need to be certain they obtain Vitamin B12 somehow. The top 3 sources are:
- clams
- beef liver
- calves liver
- Read more at Dietary Supplement Facts sheet: Vitamin B12
Recommended Dosage
Of course the U.S. recommended dietary allowance is very low. You should consult a health professional or nutritionist to find your exact needs. Testing is always the best way to determine this. You can find the recommended dietary allowance at Office of Dietary Supplements for Vitamin B12.
Diana Williams said,
August 7, 2010 @ 5:28 am
I was reading this because my 7 year old has neurological problems with motor tics and not sure what else at this time and through some testing found out that his B-12 is extremely high. 1500 is his and the highest on the ref. range is in the low 900′s. Has anyone else ever had this happen? He drinks Silk (not milk) , takes a multivitamin, eats healthy and does not eat some of those things I seen that can raise your vitamin b-12. Like the liver, no one in my family would eat that
Some of his other lab work came back slightly out of the ref. range but the Dr.’s here do not seem to think anything of it. Would anyone on here?
Thanks for any input.
Diana
Gluten Free Carla said,
August 7, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Hi Diana,
I am so sorry to hear about your son’s conditions.
I was just reading that aspartame may cause neurological problems. http://www.naturalnews.com/001620.html So, if this has not been avoided already, is food for thought.
Silk (soy milk) is very controversial in possibly causing a number of health issues, but it is known to cause neurological damage in children. Soy contains phyto-estrogens which mimics estrogen. See http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Dangers-of-a-Diet-that-Replaces-Dairy-Products-With-Soy–in-Children
Soy products and many other products may be fortified with Vitamin B12. You should check the label of Silk and other food products your son consumes. However, there is one article I found that states that the human body cannot use the B12 found in soy. Therefore, who knows what the truth really is. http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/03soymyths.htm
Soy is also known to be an enzyme inhibitor; is full of pesticides; and 90% is genetically engineered: http://www.naturalnews.com/028039_soy_tofu.html
I actually just checked Silk’s website and found the following statement, “Silk is a good source of high-quality protein and provides many of the same nutrients found in milk including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Soymilk and other milk alternatives should not be used as infant formula.” http://www.silksoymilk.com/content/myths
I hope this helps you somewhat. I am not a medical professional, therefore you should check with a nutritionist or do your own research.
Best of luck to you and your son.
Carla
Diana Williams said,
August 7, 2010 @ 8:34 am
Do you know what would be a good alternative for the silk that would taste good? I try to limit the dairy and that is why we don’t drink milk. I wonder if the Almond silk is ok?
As for the sugar substitute. I use Splenda. Do you know if it also has those side effects? My oldest son does not have neurological issues and he eats the same as my other son.
I have been wondering if my youngest has a form of autism (Aspergers) but it is hard to get a diagnosis and I have heard to stay away from dairy if he does. I do not know if it is true or not.
All the dietary restrictions sure can be frustrating. We don’t live in an area where the Dr.’s are any help. I have to educate them with the Celiac Disease and it is not so easy with the other health issues.
Thanks so much,
Diana
Gluten Free Carla said,
August 8, 2010 @ 8:08 am
I was drinking almond milk, but my chiropractor mentioned that it is loaded with sugar. Sure enough, I went home and found my almond milk loaded with sugar. Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon Ani Phyo’s YouTube videos where she explains how to make your own almond “mylk” out of medjool dates, water, soaked almonds and vanilla. It is delicious. I use it for baking and for my morning protein shakes. Here’s the link of her video: http://carlaspacher.com/2010/02/09/almond-milk-substitute-recipe/
From my research and the opinion of many health professionals, all artificial sugar substitutes are bad for you. Many people use stevia as a substitute for artificial sweeteners and use agave syrup/nectar in place of sugar. You will find many recipe on my site using these products.
I understand the confusion about what one son has and the other does not, but it is found that a gluten-free and dairy-free diet helps autism and just about anybody! Both gluten and diary are known to cause inflammation which leads to disease.
You may wish to consider seeking the advice of a doctor who specializes in Celiac Disease outside your area.
I hope this is of some help to you and your family.
Best,
Carla