Vitamin B 12 Supplement – Who Needs It?
Although anyone may suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies, there are some categories of people who run a higher risk. In such cases, vitamin B 12 supplement intake is recommended in order to prevent deficiencies.
Vegans
Vegans are vegetarians who don't eat eggs and dairy either and therefore are more prone to develop vitamin B12 deficiencies, although this usually happens over many years.
Malabsorption conditions
People who suffer from malabsorption conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth in intestines or tapeworm infestation, should also take a vitamin B 12 supplement. Malabsorption of this vitamin can also be the effect of pancreatic disease, gastrointestinal surgery or some prescription medication.
Pernicious anemia
This disease is a special condition of vitamin B12 malabsorption and the result of particular cells in the stomach not being able to produce intrinsic factor, which is necessary for normal absorption. Sufferers need a high level of either oral vitamin B 12 supplement (1000 mcg a day) or vitamin B12 injections.
Older people
Older people with hearing loss and urinary incontinence are also more likely to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency and should take a vitamin B 12 supplement.
Helicobacter pylori infections
Also a common cause of ulcers and gastritis, infections with these bacteria has been reported to increase the risk for vitamin B12 deficiencies in adults. This effect is produced by the damaging of stomach cells, which produce intrinsic factor, necessary for normal vitamin B12 absorption.
A medical trial on patients who suffered from a vitamin B12 deficiency showed that 56% were also infected with H. pylori. The eradication of the bacteria helped improving vitamin B12 levels in the blood fro 40% of those infected. However, the elimination of H. pylori doesn't always improve the vitamin B12 level. People who suffer from such infections should take a vitamin B 12 supplement and have their vitamin B12 levels monitored.
Tinnitus
People suffering from tinnitus and similar disorders have also been found to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies and require a vitamin B 12 supplement in 47% of all cases
HIV
Patients infected with HIV are also more prone to have low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood.
Psychiatric disorders
A high percentage of patients who suffer from psychiatric disorders have a vitamin B12 deficiency and should take a vitamin B 12 supplement. A very low level of vitamin B12 is also associated with a higher risk for severe depression.
Breast cancer
A medical research study in post-menopausal women has shown that those who have very low vitamin B12 consumption also run an increased risk of getting breast cancer.
Alcoholics
Alcoholics also have deficient body stores of this vitamin, even though their blood level of vitamin B12 may be higher.
Pregnant women
Although pregnant women often have a lower blood level of vitamin B12, this doesn't always show a vitamin B12 deficiency. A physician can determine whether the presence of a real vitamin B12 deficiency and prescribe a vitamin B 12 supplement if necessary.
Cyanide poisoning
Hydroxocolabamin, a type of vitamin B 12 supplement, has been shown to have a positive effect in cases of cyanide poisoning and is used in France for this purpose. Some researchers consider it an ideal treatment due to its high level of safety.
Taking a vitamin B 12 supplement is very effective in many situations to correct vitamin B12 deficiencies and prevent further conditions.
