BEWARE OF B12

FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCIES

Lola Lurch

Kaplan UniversityAugust 4, 2015

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin B12 benefits and deficiencies will be explored.

Define Vitamin B12

Discuss the functions of Vitamin B12

Discuss the causes of Vitamin B12 deficiencies

Identify the at risk populations for B12 deficiencies

Discuss the Recommended Dietary Allowance of B12

Identify the best natural sources of B12

Determine the dosage and Safety of B12 supplements

WHAT IS VITAMIN B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of 13 essential vitamins that is needed for the body to function. Properties of B12,

also known as Cyanocobalamin, include:

Water Soluble (dissolves in water)

Only produced microorganisms (etc. bacteria)

Body can store in the liver

Found naturally in animal foods

Animals and plants cannot produce

Synthetically added to plant foods (fortified)

VITAMIN B12 FUNCTIONS

Vitamin B12 is necessary for certain body function.

Development red blood cells

Maintenance of the Central Nervous System

Preserves DNA integrity

Essential roll in folate metabolism

Aids in production of neurotransmitters

SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCIES

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 are evidence by certain biological and psychological conditions.

Muscle weakness

Spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles)

Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Mood disturbances

Megaloblastic anemia (larger than normal red blood cells)

Vison problems

Dementia

AT RISK POPULATIONS

Some people are more susceptible to Vitamin B12 deficiencies than others:

Older Adults

Vegans

Those infected with HIV

Those who had gastrointestinal surgery

People who have Celiac disease

People who have Crohn’s disease

HOW MUCH VITAMIN B12 DO YOU NEED?

Life Stage AgeMales

(mcg/day)Females

(mcg/day)

Infants  0-6 months  0.4 (AI) 0.4 (AI) 

Infants  7-12 months  0.5 (AI)  0.5 (AI) 

Children  1-3 years  0.9  0.9 

Children 4-8 years  1.2  1.2 

Children  9-13 years  1.8  1.8 

Adolescents  14-18 years  2.4  2.4 

Adults  19-50 years  2.4  2.4 

Adults 51 years and

older 2.4*  2.4* 

Pregnancy  all ages  -  2.6 

Breast-feeding  all ages  -  2.8

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B12

SOME FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN B12

Food Serving Vitamin B12 (mcg)

Clams (steamed) 3 ounces 84.1

Mussels (steamed) 3 ounces 20.4

Mackerel (Atlantic, cooked, dry-heat)

3 ounces* 16.1

Crab (Alaska king, steamed)

3 ounces 9.8

Beef (lean, plate steak, cooked, grilled)

3 ounces 6.9

Salmon (chinook, cooked, dry-heat)

3 ounces 2.4

SOME FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN B12..CONTINUED

Food Serving Vitamin B12 (mcg)

Milk (skim) 8 ounces 0.9

Turkey (cooked, roasted)

3 ounces 0.8

Brie (cheese) 1 ounce 0.5

Egg (poached) 1 large 0.4

Chicken (light meat, cooked, roasted)

3 ounces 0.3

VITAMIN B12 DOSAGE, SAFETY, SIDE EFFECTS

Older adults and vegans may need Vitamin B12 supplements.Caution should be exercised when taking Vitamin B12

supplements if the following conditions exist:

Skin disorders (rash, itching, redness) Genitourinary concerns (urine discoloration) Gastrointestinal disorders Cancer Hypertension (high blood pressure) Pregnant or breastfeeding Drug interactions (with pharmaceutical and alcohol) Gout Heart concerns Blood disorders

SUMMARY

Vitamin B12 is essential to biological and psychological body function.

Animals and plants cannot produce Vitamin B12.

Only single-cell microorganisms (etc. bacteria) can produce Vitamin B12.

The best natural source of Vitamin B12 is animal products.. The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the US Institute of Medicine has posted the recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin B12 for each age population.

Certain populations are at increased risk for Vitamin B12 deficiencies (older adults, vegans, HIV infected, and certain gastrointestinal disorders).

Consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking vitamin supplements.

REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic. (2013). Evidence based. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b12/

evidence/hrb-20060243

Medline Plus. (2015). Vitamin B12. Retrieved from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403.htm#top

Oregon State University. (2015). Micronutrient information center: Vitamin B12.

Retrieved from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12

Weil, A. (2012). Facts about vitamin B12. Retrieved from

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02810/facts-about-vitamin-

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