B 12 way down

[Akbar 0]

To be absorbed, B12 has to not only be in your diet (not a problem for most of us), but then has to bind to "intrinsic factor" in the stomach, then this complex is taken up by specialized intestinal cells at the end of the small bowel. It is stored in the liver for long periods of time.

B12 deficiency can have very serious and not always reversible neurologic consequences, as well as the more common and reversible anemia.

The traditional treatment, because of this, is an intramuscular injection of B12. Every month. Forever.

It turns out that many people can absorb adequate amounts of B12 either by taking very large amounts (1,000 mcg) orally daily, or by using sublingual tablets - the idea is that some of the B12 passes through the thin skin on the bottom of the tongue into the bloodstream.

Take the B12! If you are using oral replacement, it might be a good idea to recheck the levels at some point.

[vluckey 1]

I've never tried Tri-Vita, but I've heard it's very good. Flintstones are not enough by any stretch. I take a very high quality multi-Vitamin and have had no deficiencies.

I have to wonder, if you have that, are you getting enough Protein? Not that one has to do with the other, except for the simple lack of food. Protein is very very important for a bandster.

I hope a doctor didn't tell you Flintstones were good enough.....

[kim2bhealthy 3]

I have the form of B-12 Anemia that Akbar is referring to, it's called pernicious anemia, because I don't have the intrinsic factor to absorb B-12 from the food that I eat. I have to take a B-12 injection monthly, and let me tell you, I can tell when it's time for a shot... I call it my smart shot, because I swear my mind is so much sharper after I get it and I have a lot more energy, as a matter of fact, I need to call the doctor and tell them I'm coming in this week for it!!! I will have to take it for the rest of my life... Pernicious Anemia can be very serious if not treated, one of my dad's cousins has suffered neurologic damage from it that is irreversible, so I definietly stay on top of it. My mom was recently diagnosed with it as well, so I guess its another one of those "gene things". I also have to take prescription Iron supplements (hematinic) because I'm also iron amemic... Defintely keep on top of it!

[giveyouthemoon 4]

I also had some b Vitamin deficiency since being banded. I was getting cracks at the sides of my mouth that would NOT go away no matter how much chapstick. Finally a friend at work told me that was a very common sign of b deficiency. I started taking supplemental b vites and they went away in a couple days. Every now and again I get them again and I take b.

I also know that TOO MUCH b Vitamin can be damaging so I try not to take extra b unless I honestly need it.

[freebit 0]

I take one Centrum silver per day. I chop it up into 6 pieces and swallow. Taking 1000mg of anything is really hard for me.

[HarleyNana 10]

Just a little tidbit of info I picked up today, I wonder if it really works:

Mosquito Bait

People love to have me over during summer evenings as the

mosquitoes flock to and feast on me, leaving others alone.

Ouch! I have finally found a natural way that works to keep

them at bay. I take a B complex Vitamin every morning in the

warm weather and this does the trick. Mosquitoes rarely bother

me when I take the B complex Vitamin. However, if I forget, I

am quickly reminded as I once again become their favorite

meal.

Guess I'll start upping the B Complex Vitamins, I hate them skeeters.