Do you need B12?

Fatigue. Weakness. Lightheadedness. Heart palpitations. Shortness of breath. Pale skin. Smooth tongue. Abnormal bowels. Numbness/tingling. Changes in vision. Depression. Memory changes.

All of these can be signs of B12 (cobalamin) deficiency. An easy way to test for B12 levels is through a simple blood test. But sometimes levels can fall within normal and symptoms persist due to a functional deficiency. Are you aware of the different types of B12 and how each works different pathways in the body? There are four types of B12 that you can supplement with:

Cyano B12: this is the inactive form and must be activated by the body to be used as methyl-cobalamin in the methylation pathways. Many people have poor ability to convert cyanocobalamin or a genetic inability to make the conversion.

Methyl B12: mainly found within the fluid inside cells including blood and other fluids. Methyl-cobalamin facilitates the homocysteine pathway, helping to protect DNA from damage, promoting healthy cells and gene expression, and to make hormones and neurotransmitters.

Hydroxyl B12: high bioavailability – converted to methyl B12 by the body; used in pernicious anemia patients with optic neuropathy. Binds to cyanide and is used in the treatment of cyanide poisoning/smoke inhalation for excretion. Supports methylation and production of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Adenosyl B12: needed for making energy in the body, healthy metabolism, and for the myelin sheath covering every nerve in the body. Plays a role in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Low levels of adenosyl-cobalamin can lead to muscle pain, exercise intolerance and fatigue such as seen in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

What does Dr. Nab recommend?

Trifolamin from Designs for Health. This product comes as a lozenge with all three active forms of B12 along with the active form of folate called 5-MTHF.

If you would like to know more, contact Dr. Nab at 913-962-7408 or email her directly: .