What is Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin)?

Vitamin B12 and its deficiency syndrome, pernicious anaemia, was recognised and described as early as 1855. Vitamin B12 is a bright red crystalline compound because of its high content of cobalt. Vitamin B12 works with folic acid in many processes, including the synthesis of DNA, red blood cells, and the myelin sheath (surrounding nerve cells). Cyanocobalamin is a form most often used in vitamin supplements due to its stability. This form can be metabolised in the body into the active coenzyme forms, Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin (Dibencozide).

B12 for ANXIETY / DEPRESSION 

nervousness and anxiety may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency . Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause depression, especially in the elderly . Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential coenzyme requiredforthemanufactureofneurotransmitterssuchasdopamineandserotonin. The supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 stimulate the production of BH4.

B12 for HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA 

approximately 20-40% of patients with heart disease exhibit elevations in homocysteine, a factor known to be responsible in the progression of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

B12 for NEUROPATHY 

vitamin B12 has been used with some success in treating neuropathy although it is not clear if this because of a correcting of a deficiency state or the normalisation of the deranged vitamin B12 metabolism.

 B12 for MALE INFERTILITY 

since vitamin B12 is critically involved in cellular replication, a deficiency leads to reduced sperm counts and sperm motility. Even in the absence of vitamin B12 deficiency, supplementation is worthwhile in men with sperm counts less than 20 million per millilitre or a motility rate of less than 50%.

Vitamin B12 TINNITUS 

a significant number of patients with tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss have been found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. This effect would appear to be due to changes in neurological function within the auditory system.

Vitamin B12 SLEEP DISORDERS 

Interestingly, vitamin B12 also influences melatonin secretion. Low melatonin status ma y be due to low B12 levels. Vitamin B12 intake of 1. 5mg / da y has produced good results in the treatment of sleep-wake rhythm disorders, through improved melatonin secretion.

Potential Benefits of Vitamin B12

Depression and anxiety, cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis), neuropathy, Alzheimer’s Disease, asthma and sulphite sensitivity, multiple sclerosis, low sperm count, tinnitus, and pernicious anaemia, fatigue, and red blood cell production.

• Pernicious anaemia – vitamin B12 deficiency, results in impaired nerve function, which can cause numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, or a burning feeling. It can also impair mental function and lead to a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system.