|
Forever B12 Plus Description and Purpose Another excellent combination of essential nutrients, Forever B12 Plus combines Folic Acid with B12 in a time -release formula that provides a slow release of the dietary ingredients, throughout a specific period of time. This technology helps in providing a steady intake of the active ingredients to the body, resulting in enhanced and longer lasting activity. Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin (the only vitamin to contain cobalt) was first discovered in 1948 as the nutritional factor that prevented pernicious anaemia. B12 works with Folic Acid in many body processes including the synthesis of DNA (the genetic code material), red blood cells and blood cells and the Myelin Sheath that insulates nerves and improves conduction of the signals. B12 also works with Folic Acid in reducing homocysteine levels in the body. Raised levels of this amino acid are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss. For absorption from the stomach,B12 needs another substance called intrinsic factor; but even when this is absent, the oral administration of appropriate amounts will lead to a rise in blood levels of B12. Folic Acid is also critical to the ability of cells to divide and replicate themselves accurately. It is especially critical to the development of the nervous system in the foetus so this supplement is extremely beneficial to women wishing to conceive or during the first three months of pregnancy. This supplement is extremely safe as both components are tolerated in large amounts. Now you can enjoy the benefits of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid together, in a formula exclusively designed to complement the rest of the supplement range. Formula Ingredients
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 500mcg
Other Ingredients
Contents
Suggested Use Forever B12 Plus with Folic Acid Description and Purpose : In the mid 1920s, scientists learned that eating a large amount of midly cooked liver daily could control pernicious anaemia. Fortunately for anaemics averse to eating liver, Vitamin B12 or Cyanobalamin, the only vitamin to contain cobalt was first discovered in 1948 as the nutritional factor to prevent pernicious anaemia. Vitamin B12 Plus and Folic Acid are needed to produce Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the body's cells. DNA carries the "master plans" that govern each cell's activities. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Once released, B12 combines with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Vitamin B12's primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. B12 is necessary for the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. Folic Acid works with Vitamin B12 in the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of proteins, as well as in cell growth. If B12 and Folic acid (folate) deficiency occurs, DNA production is disrupted and abnormal cells called megaloblastic anaemia. Supplementation of folic acid will provide enough usable folate to restore normal red cell formation. However, if vitamin B12 was cause, it will not correct the underlying B12 deficiency. Characteristic signs of B12 deficiency include excessive fatigue, breathlessness, listlessness, nausea, constipation, flatulence (gas), loss of appetite, weight loss and poor resistance to infection. Deficiency can also lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss. Anaemia may also be due to folic acid deficiency, folic acid also being necessary for DNA synthesis. Signs of Folic Acid deficiency include a sore, red tongue, anaemia, growth impairment, insomnia, labored breathing and apathy. Oral contraceptives and alcohol may increase the need for Folic Acid.B12 Plays an important role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintenance of myelin. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage. B12 is also associated with the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning functions. Inadequate function of methionine synthase can lead to an accumulation of homocysteine, which has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases(heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases) . Vitamin B12 and B6 and Folic Acid regulate the amount of homocysteine in the blood. This nutrient is also required for the digestive system for absorption of foods, the synthesis of proteins, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. As a result of these roles, Vitamin B12, especially when taken in conjunction with Folic Acid, is commonly promoted for enhancing energy levels by helping the body make more effective use of food. When deficiency occurs, it is more commonly linked to a failure to effectively absorb B12 from the intestine rather than a dietary deficiency. Absorption of B12 requires the secretion from the cells lining the stomach of a glycoprotein, known as intrinsic factor. The B12 - intrinsic factor complex is then absorbed in the ileum (part of small intestine) in the presence of calcium. Certain people are unable to produce intrinsic factor, and the subsequent pernicious anaemia is treated with oral supplements or intra-muscular injections of B12. The body stores small amounts of vitamin B12 in the liver. It is excreted in the bile and is effectively reabsorbed. This is known as enteropatic circulation. The amount of B12 secreted can vary. People on diets low in B12 from reabsorption than from dietary sources. Reabsorption is the reason it can take a period of time for deficiency disease to develop in people changing to diets absent in B12. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods including fish, shellfish, milk and milk products, egg, meat, poultry or liver. People who eat only vegetables may lack this vitamin. Almost all uncooked foods contain folic acid, but cooking destroys varying amounts of it. Long term vegans, infants, children and pregnant and lactating women (due to increased needs) should be especially careful to get enough B12 and folic acid. Adults 50 years of age and older, may find it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 from food. A mild type of B12 deficiency is found in some elderly individuals affected with atrophic gastritis. Lack of stomach acids, malabsorption problems, alcohol and smoking could deplete adults of vitamin B12. Preliminary research investigations on the therapeutic uses for other health conditions reflected in a study published in the Aug 1994 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. They found that arthritic patients taking B12 with Folic Acid were able to exert greater handgrip pressure than those patients only taking folic acid or a placebo. They also reported less pain and stiffness. The Institute of Medicine states that " no adverse affects have been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals." Many experts note that Folic Acid is needed by the body to utilize Vitamin B12, and vice versa. In the diagnosis, it is crucial to properly distinguish pernicious anaemia from folic acid anaemia. Therefore, the two vitamins should be used in combination in supplements. Researchers have also pointed out that increased folic acid intake may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency; another reason why B12 should be added to all supplements that contain folic acid. |