What Is B-12 ?
Merazon's B-12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system through nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to help make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B-12 is also called cobalamin because it contains the metal cobalt.

B12 is bound to the protein in foods you consume. Acid in the stomach releases vitamin B-12 from proteins while you digest food.

It is important to have your physician evaluate these symptoms so that they can administer the appropriate medical care.

Who Else May Have Be B-12 Deficient?

Anemia
Anemia occurs when there is a low count of hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen to cells and tissues. Signs and symptoms of anemia include fatigue and weakness. Anemia can come from many medical issues, including low counts of B-12, B6, foliate and iron.

Older Adults
Studies show that up to 30 percent of all adults 50 years and and up may have atrophic gastritis, an increased growth of intestinal bacteria, and be unable to normally absorb vitamin B-12 from food. They are, however, able to absorb the B-12 added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Studies suggest that vitamin supplements may be the best sources of vitamin B-12 for adults older than age 50 years and up.

Researchers Have Long Studied The Connection Between B-12 Deficiency and Dementia In Older Adults.
Recently studies between cognitive skills, homocysteine levels, and blood levels of foliate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B6 suggest that that vitamin B-12 deficiency may decrease levels of substances needed for the metabolism of neurotransmitters. In individuals at risk for dementia, researchers found that a daily supplement providing 2 milligrams (mg) folic acid and 1 mg vitamin B-12, taken for 12 weeks, lowered homocysteine levels by 30%. They also demonstrated that cognitive impairment was significantly associated with elevated plasma total homocysteine.

Vegetarians
The popularity of vegetarian diets has risen in recent years. The term vegetarianism has a wide range of definitions. Many consider themselves to be vegetarian because they do not eat red meat. But many believe that vegetarianism requires avoidance of all animal products including eggs and dairy products.

Strict Vegetarians & Vegans Are At A Greater Risk Of Deficiency.
Strict vegetarians and vegans who do not eat foods that come from animals need to highly consider dietary supplements that contain vitamin B-12 and should discuss the need for vitamin B-12 supplements with their physician.

Infants Deficient In B-12 Can Suffer Permanent Brain Damage. Consequences of such neurological damage are severe and can be irreversible. There are many case reports of infants and children who suffered consequences of vitamin B-12 deficiency. It is very important for mothers who are strict vegetarians to meet with a pediatrician regarding appropriate use of vitamin B-12 supplements for their infants and children.

Gastrointestinal Disorders
People with stomach and small intestine problems may be unable to absorb enough B-12 from foods.

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