B12 !!

reenieb
on 12/1/09 3:49 am
RNY on 03/08/04 with
It seems like we have some lurker activity at least, so I want/need to post this - how are you guys taking your B12? I just got my labs back and my B12 levels are in the toilet.  Here's some info about why this vitamin is so important, especially for RNYers because we no longer have the intrinsic factor in our stomaches - My calcium and D levels were very low as well. Maureen

"Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is a part of the b vitamin family which helps to keep the body in good shape. Foods such as meat, eggs, fish and live have adequate levels of vitamin B12. Even though a small amount of B12 is required by the body it should be taken daily. Without the help of the intrinsic factor in the stomach vitamin B12 can’t be taken in by the body. Even though it is possible to get too much of B12 in your daily consumption it won’t cause any problems in your body since only half of it is absorbed by the body. Vitamin B12 can also be reused by the human body.

How Does Vitamin B12 Help the Body

There are four areas where vitamin B12 benefit’s the human body:

1. Vitamin B12 is essential to helping the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.

2. Vitamin B12 can help prevent heart disease by helping to keep red blood cells healthy.

3. Vitamin B12 helps the white blood cells which as a result helps prevent disease through a healthy immune system.

4. Vitamin B12 is required to form a protective shield around nerve cells which is especially important in the brain. If there is an absence of B12 and this protective shield isn’t maintained then brain malfunction can occur.

Anemia can result if a person doesn’t have sufficient levels of vitamin B12 in their system. A lack of B12 causes a reduction in red blood cells which leads to anemia. Kids who are not fed properly will develop anemia. In addition, if a persons body doesn’t have a sufficient intrinsic factor to help B12 be absorbed by the body then anemia can result.

If a person is a vegetarian then they should take B12 supplements. To help babies grow in the womb, pregnant women should also take extra B12 supplements. The intrinsic factor in the body is decreased in people over fifty years of age so they may have problems absorbing large amounts of B12. For this reason people over fifty should consider B12 supplements so that they can reduce their chances of developing anemia and other health problems."

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.
pammy157
on 12/1/09 7:42 pm - colchester, CT
RNY on 03/30/04 with
My endocrologist just checked all of my B's & D's and they are good. Along with the calcium and other stuff. He does in depth testing. I dont' know what that means other than he sure does take alot of those little vials when he's testing!
Somethings I absorb well.
I'm doing very good I feel I owe it all to my ND along with the endo. They took the extra steps that I needed.
Im amazaed at how my thyroid wasn't that bad level wise it was in the "normal" range. But it was explained to me that normal isn't normal for everybody. Seems like for me normal isn't right. Of course my kids will tell anyone that! With the meds for that I'm doing fantastic.
I'm lucky in that I do not have the food flowing through as quickly as you do. If I eat soft things like soup it doens't last for me but my protein dense foods last the 2 hours that I need them to.
I still can not eat alot so I know my pouch isn't stretched too badly. I'm thankful and I know I'm lucky for that. Its not anything that I did that made mine stay its just luck I think. Or maybe how our bodies each are as different as eacch person is.
I take a sublingal under the tongue B12 daily.
Liquid yumy like orange cream calcium from the ND
Liquid nasty tasting D from the ND.
Mega vitamins from the ND these things are like horse tablets Ihave to take them with apple sauce. Due to me being allergic to anitibiotics and penicillian I am on a extra vitamins to boost my emuim system.
Chewable vitamins from the ND she does not feel that fllintsones is giving me what I need hummmm wonder if thats why my levels are so good NOW....just sayin...
good luck an god bless to all.
MikeyLikesIt
on 12/2/09 6:39 am - Guilford, CT
Howdy Pardner;

I get my B12 from GNC. I use their brand of sub-lingual tablets. I take one 1000mcg tablet daily . So far, (Knocking Wood Loudly and Firmly) my bloodwork has been good. Hope this helps.

Mike
reenieb
on 12/2/09 11:23 pm
RNY on 03/08/04 with
Hi Mike, I'm so glad your levels are stable! Has this always been the case for you since surgery? How often do you get your bloodwork done? My best to you and Abby! Maureen
Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.
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