Zenomia

Actually Lisa, I take B12 daily in pill form. Two pills is 1000mg's and my levels are really good. I just finished a report on B12 for my Nutrition class and it is one of the few vitamins that you cannot really overdose on. Which means, if you take it in shot or sublingual, you can also supplement with the pills on a daily basis and get extra coverage. Here is some info from my assignment that I thought would just add to Lisa's well thought Point!

"Symptoms/Deficiency:
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most often the cause of several forms of anemia. Alzheimer’s dementia has also been linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiency in B12 can cause severe and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Common early symptoms of deficiency are; tiredness, decreased mental work capacity, decreased concentration, decreased memory, irritability and depression. Sleep disturbances, and seasonal affective disorder. Other symptoms can be neurological such as sensory damage due to peripheral nerves caused by demyelination and irreversible nerve cell death. Symptoms include: numbness, tingling of the extremities, disturbed coordination, atatic gait, and subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord. Elderly, Vegans and Vegetarians are more likely to suffer from Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Low levels of B12 have also been associated with; Asthma, depression, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, tinnitus, diabetic neuropathy, and low sperm counts.

Major Food Sources:
There are several foods that provide good sources of vitamin B12, however it should be noted that although you’re taking in high levels, they may not be utilized as B12 effectively by the body. Mollusks, liver, fortified (100%) cereals, trout, salmon, and beef (top sirloin) are all excellent choices for B12 (foods were listed in high B12 concentration to low concentration).
Overdose: According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies did not establish a UL for this vitamin because vitamin B12 has a very low potential for toxicity. The IOM states that "no adverse effects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals". In fact, the IOM recommends that adults older than 50 years get most of their vitamin B12 from vitamin supplements or fortified food because of the high incidence of impaired absorption in this age group of vitamin B12 from foods that come from animals. [1.] Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998

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Zen
LAP RNY June 5th, 2006, Genesis Medical Center, Iowa
257 / 140 / 139
Start / Current/Goal
Plastics 8/7/07, 12/15/07, 6/5/08 - Dr. Aric Eckhardt
AKA: ZenBear

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning!!