Vitamin B12: The Mood And Energy Vitamin!

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 06-25-2008, 02:52 PM

What a great article that has been written by the Dr. Who developed the quality Energy supplement OLA LOA. www.vitacost.com sells it for near wholesale cost. Dh and I take this one everyday as well. Nonsynthetic!

http://www.healthy.net/scr/column.as...mnId=26&Id=548

Perhaps the most insidious distraction that throws a doctor off the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is the medical teaching that B12 is stored in the adult human liver in an amount sufficient for 5 to 10 years of total deprivation. Obviously not so. I have seen cases in which B12 reserves ran out in less than half that time. This is more likely nowadays when so many people have been avoiding red meat and liver in their diet for years on end. Vegetarian and, of course, fruitarian diets can induce severe B12 deficiency in susceptible people, i.e. those who may have a defect in B12 absorption. Such people are at severe risk of B12 deficiency if they go along with the crowd. Luckily, almost half of all Americans are taking multivitamin and B complex supplements containing B12 at least some of the time. On the other hand, there are still lots of folks who cling to the idealistic notion that they can get all their vitamins and minerals from a "balanced" diet.

**Michelle** · 06-26-2008, 06:57 AM

Thanks for this Lynn. I need to get better about taking vitamins. For some reason I always forget

, and I'm sure I could benefit from them.

**warramra** · 06-26-2008, 08:57 AM

From personal experience I can tell you that B-vitamin supplements are a wonder. I have been diagnosed with PTSD from a childhood trauma and lived for years at really high anxiety levels that resulted in panic attacks and intestinal issues. A couple of years ago someone suggested that taking a B-complex might help with the constant exhaustion, so I figured it was worth a try. It gave me more energy, the moderate depression I had learned to just live with got better and the panic attacks subsided so much that I can't remember the last time I've had one that required my medicine. Today, I take a woman's multivitamin and a super-B complex supplement daily...that is it. I realize that not everyone reacts the same way to supplements, and some actually need pharma drugs, but I am a big proponent of the least 'chemical' answer possible. Also, I should say that I have also spent the last few years in therapy learning coping skills in addition to using B-vitamins, which has also helped.

**suki** · 06-26-2008, 09:16 AM

Because I can no longer absorb b12 from my digestive tract and was tested positive for b12 anemia, I can only receive my b12 via injection. I have to take it once a month. Yes, the liver does store b12, and when you are depleted you are at risk for liver shut-down... which I was when diagnosed b12 anemic. Another barrier to proper diagnosis is the cost of testing. To run the bloodwork specific to determining if I was b12 deficient was $420.

My doctor never said there was enough b12 stored in my liver to last 5 years, but he did say it should last about 5 MONTHS. It took us about 3 months of weekly shots to get me replenished and to maintain, I'm at monthly shots. The shots are cheaper than taking supplements or getting re-tested ($11 for a vial that lasts for 10 months/injections).

Besides red meat, dairy and eggs are also good sources of digested b12. Although, since the supplement is water soluble, you will urinate out whatever you do not need. It's just a waste of money to take it if you don't need it.

**Palooka** · 06-27-2008, 10:04 PM

Vegans are the one's that really need to suppliment, not vegetarians because they eat dairy and eggs.

That said I love my b vitamins.

**larabelle** · 07-03-2008, 08:40 PM

Thanks so much Lynn. I stopped taking vitas several years ago...dumb,dumb, dumb...I am getting back on the bandwagon. I felt 100% better when I took them.

**homemaker66** · 07-04-2008, 10:15 AM

I wonder also what about magnesium I understand this will help along with B12. Is this such a true thing. Thank you for reminding me about the B12.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-04-2008, 02:52 PM

I remember reading that magnesium was recommended to give to kids with anxiety and mood swings but I had never really looked into it. I myself cannot take a huge multivitamin because every time I do, I throw it right back up. My body can't tolerate that much at one time. I've tried taking half in the morning and half in the afternoon, but I stopped a while back.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-04-2008, 04:56 PM

I did some reading up on the B6 and magnesium debate, especially with children who suffer from autism spectrum disorder and the negative side effects (meaning the tantrums, the behavioral issues, etc.). I'm tempted to find out more about this and since these are natural "medicines", I'm wondering if I'd be doing Matthew a world of good by starting him on some.

The articles I've been reading are here:

http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy

I already give him a children's multivitamin but wonder if giving him more magnesium, B6 and vitamin C ontop of that will harm him.

**Edna_E** · 07-04-2008, 05:50 PM

Thanks for another good reminder. Am I correct in thinking that B-12 is one of the vitamins that you will simply not absorb if you happen to take too much? If not, how much IS too much? It is included in my daily vitamin, but I also take an extra B-complex, and sometimes additional B-12 on top of that (there are days on which my eating habits are deplorable).