Many people have undiagnosed  Vitamin B12 deficiencies.

A growing majority of the population have difficult absorbing B12 and are also taking the wrong form of the vitamin.  In order to absorb Vitamin B12 properly, both intrinsic factor and an acidic environment in the stomach are needed.  As the body ages, it becomes more and more difficult to absorb B12 and the cells that produce the cofactors needed for absorption also become less efficient.  Alcohol use/abuse, stress, digestive problems and use of antacids are just some of the conditions that can impair B12 absorption and also lead to higher requirements of the vitamin.  Symptoms include but are not limited to anemia, fatigue, mild depression, infertility, lack of appetite and tingling/numbness of the extremities. 

B12 deficiencies can be easily discovered via three bloodtests; methymalonic acid, homocysteine and a CBC.   The traditional test of serum B12 levels often misses approximately 50% of B12 deficiencies.  Be sure to ask your doctor for the correct tests if you suspect you are B12 deficient.  If you are currently taking B12 supplementation, be sure to take the correct dose and the correct amount.  Since B12 is a water soluble vitamin, it has a very low toxicity level and can be taken safely in large amounts.  The two forms that I recommend to my patients are methylcobalamin and hydroxycobalamin, preferably in a liquid or sublingual form.  The cyanocobalamin form found in most vitamins is very poorly absorbable and contains a potentially toxic component in large amounts.  For most people, 1000-2000mcg of B12 per day is sufficient.  In special cases, large amounts of up to 10,000mcg per day can be utilized and are usually given in an injectible form by a qualified practitioner. 

If you are concerned about being deficient in B12, we can run the right tests and prescribe the appropriate nutraceuticals for you.  And if you are significantly deficient, we can even prescribe a round of B12 shots or other vitamins

Yours in good health,

Dr. Jennifer Wicher ND

Medical Director

Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic