Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is an essential vitamin that is crucial for addressing adrenal fatigue, multiple metabolic functions – including enzyme production, DNA synthesis and hormonal balance – and maintaining healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems. A deficiency can lead to both digestive disorders and an increased risk for heart disease.

Symptoms Linked to B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency:

  • Constantly feeling tired or chronic fatigue
  • Mood changes, like increased depression and anxiety
  • Poor memory
  • Inability to concentrate well
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Muscle aches and weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea or cramping
  • A poor appetite
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Having abnormal heart problems, such as palpitations
  • A more serious deficiency can also cause a form of anemia called pernicious anemia, a serious condition that can cause memory loss, confusion and even long-term dementia
  • Poor dental health, including bleeding gums and mouth sores

Health Problems Associated to B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency: 

  • Diabetes – B12 deficiency is common in diabetics because metformin depletes B12.
  • Autism – Low B12 impairs methylation (detoxification) which causes the neurological damage responsible for many autistic symptoms. Deficiency of B12 can cause optic neuropathy and vision loss in autistics. B12 raises cysteine and glutathione levels.
  • Depression – Depression may be a manifestation of B12 deficiency. Repletion of B12 to adequate levels can improve treatment response. B12 deficiency is common in psychiatric disorders.
  • Fatigue – B vitamins are necessary for converting food into energy. Cofactors in the mitochondrial respiratory chain include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Folate (B9).
  • Female Fertility – Both vitamins B12 & B6 are needed to convert toxic homocysteine to a benign form. Low homocysteine levels linked to a better chance of pregnancy.
  • Gastrointestinal Health – B12 improves gastrointestinal complaints in some patients with dyspepsia (indigestion). Antacids deplete B12.
  • Headaches – B12 scavenges nitric oxide which is implicated in migraine pathogenesis.
  • Hypothyroidism – A deficiency in B6, B12 or Folate (B9) can cause elevated homocysteine which is linked with hypothyroidism. Folate levels have been linked to levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
  • Insomnia – B12 normalizes circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles). Therapeutic benefits of B12 supplementation, both oral and intravenous, are seen in studies.
  • Methylation – B12 is a key enzyme needed in the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the body’s most important methyl donor. Methionine synthase, an enzyme that catalyzes the methylation cycle, is B12 dependent.
  • Pain – Vitamins B1, B2, B2, and B12 produce a dose dependent decrease in various kinds of pain (heat, pressure, chemical. They increase sensitivity to pain meds. Their effect is likely mediated through serotonergic neurotransmitters.
  • Sports Nutrition – B vitamins are cofactors for efficient energy metabolism from food. Synthesizing red blood cells require B12 and Folate (B9). Deficiencies in various B vitamins may slow healing in sports injuries.
  • Telomeres – B12 is crucial for proper DNA methylation.

How to Acquire B12 (Cobalamin):

  • Beef and chicken liver
  • Salmon
  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Tuna
  • Trout
  • Organic yogurt
  • Turkey
  • Raw Milk
  • Beef tenderloin
  • Lamb

Clinical Updates on B12 (Cobalamin)