Welcome to the Vitamin B12 Patch blog! Find information on topics related to vitamin B12. This blog is dedicated to providing up to date research, news and resources pertaining to vitamin B12 supplements, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and general health information surrounding the benefits of vitamin B12. Learn from, and contribute to information on B12, conditions caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and other connected subjects. This blog also provides B12 Patch product information and discusses some of the science behind the transdermal absorption method. Feel free to participate in blog discussions and contribute your opinion on the related topics covered in the Vitamin B12 Patch blog.
Summer’s just around the corner- if you’re an ice cream lover on a vegan diet, then you’ll love these homemade ice cream recipes. We’ve included a collection of vitamin-rich soy ice creams, a creamy coconut milk concoction, and many which incorporate almond milk for smoothness. Feeling adventurous? Taste test #10: the avocado ice cream finale.
What better way to kick off our non-dairy ice cream dream team than with a rich, chocolate sorbet? You won’t need a lot of ingredients for this one- just the basics: sugar, water, cocoa, salt and vanilla. Just reach into your pantry, and in 4 hours you can have a decadent guilt-free chocolate dessert.
The only machinery you’ll need in order to achieve a thick, creamy consistency is a blender ; a stick-blender can be substituted in a pinch. Vanilla ice cream is a versatile dessert that complements most cake recipes, toppings and fruit compotes. Mix it into your post-workout protein shake for a satisfying treat.
Rich coconut milk ice cream is a flavorful alternative to dairy desserts, and 100% natural. This recipe combines fresh strawberries, coconut decadence and a fudge ripple sauce.
These refreshing non-dairy creamsicles are gluten-free, sugarless, low fat and all-organic, but we won’t tell anybody if you don’t. Flavored with bananas, fresh berries and organic soy yogurt, they’re a much healthier choice for diabetics.
Hey, almond lovers, here’s a three-fer for you: three recipes on one site, all of them scrumptious and made with almond milk. Headlining is a recipe for Rich Chocolate and Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream, followed by Triple Almond Vegan Ice Cream, which is made with almond butter, almond liqueur and chopped almonds; last, but not least, is Strawberry Almond Milk Ice Cream. Combine all three and you’ve got a vegan Napoleon.
If you like root beer floats (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll flip for this non-dairy version of the classic all-American treat. Smooth vanilla bean soy milk, a can of root beer, some root beer extract, arrowroot and sugar are all you’ll need to put this together in a flash.
Two ingredients; that’s all you’ll need to whip up this amazingly creamy and delicious frozen dessert. Two ingredients, and they are: frozen bananas, water. No kidding. What’s the catch? It doesn’t keep well, so you’ll have to eat it all and right away. But that shouldn’t take too much convincing.
This recipe incorporates non-dairy Rich’s whipping cream, which can be found at most markets which sell vegan or “parve” food items. If you crave chocolate mints after dinner, then this one’s for you. Remember to measure the peppermint extract carefully; half a teaspoon could make a world of a difference.
Ordering Chinese tonight? A scoop of green tea ice cream with a fortune cookie on the side is a great way to end a meal. This recipe owes its strong flavor to match green tea powder, which can be found at most health food stores.
Dare to be different. The avocado adds a subtle, buttery flavor to soy yogurt, lemon juice and almond milk. Experiment with different flavors of yogurt; the recipe featured here uses strawberry and peach.
Anybody who has ever cried during Walt Disney’s Bambi has probably flirted with the idea of converting to veganism, a diet which mindfully excludes eating, wearing or utilizing any product which is derived through the slaughter of animals. Who hasn’t fantasized about growing their own organic vegetables, tossing out their leather sneakers in favor of a pair of cruelty-free recycled-material loafers, and living off a steady diet of barbecued tofu sandwiches, mixed bean sprouts and Matcha green tea?
Many of us have tried being vegetarian for at least a day; some of us for even longer. What eventually makes or breaks your commitment to the vegan lifestyle is the inevitable need to maintain the same nutritional balance that you had back in your meat-eating days; namely, you need to replace the iron, vitamin B12 and protein you used to get from meat, fish, milk and egg sources, and find new plant-based foods or supplements which meet the same nutritional needs.
Vegans who neglect to include sufficient amounts of vitamins such as B12 in their diets often end up with vitamin B12 deficiency, which may lead to pernicious anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, increased risk for heart attack and severe neurological damage. (Read: Vegan Dieters at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, After All.)
A good preventative measure is to take regular supplementation, such as iron pills and a vitamin B12 patch, in addition to including the following 6 vegetarian-based nutrients:
#1 Vegan Protein: Beans, soy products, nuts and seeds
The dilemma about not getting enough protein in a vegan diet has nothing to do with availability; most foods, vegan or non-vegan, have adequate amounts of protein in them. Vegetables, beans, grains and nuts are rich in protein. Especially healthy protein sources are almond butters, tempeh (mock meat), quinoa, lentils and kidney beans. But in order to obtain enough amino acids, you must include a variety of protein foods in your diet, as none (except for the soy products) are single whole sources of complete protein.
#2 Vegan Vitamin B12: Soy milk, fortified cereals
A majority of the foods which are rich in vitamin B12 are animal-based: lean beef, chicken, organ meats, eggs, fish and dairy products. Don’t skimp on vitamin B12; your body needs it to produce red blood cells, maintain the nervous system and convert food into energy. Vegan milk substitutes often have vitamin B12 added in order to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. But don’t become too complacent; B12 levels can plummet steadily without your realizing it. Make certain your doctor gives you a vitamin B12 blood screening at every checkup, and become familiar with the basic symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
#3 Vegan Iron: Dark leafy greens, beans, raisins and fortified breads
Iron is essential for collecting oxygen produced in our lungs and distributing it to the rest of the body. Of all the vitamin deficiencies, the most common is caused by low iron levels, affecting up to 20 percent of women. Iron sources obtained from meat are the most easily digested, but vegan sources are available. The highest sources ofiron in the vegan dietinclude:
The richest sources of omega-3′s are in seafood, particularly mackerel, trout and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly derived from Linolenic Acid, and are vital for brain functioning, boosting the immune system, preventing heart disease and promoting all-over well being. Vegan foods which are high in omega-3 fatty acidsare:
flax, soy and canola oils;
hemp, sesame and pumpkin seeds;
nuts, such as walnuts and Brazil nuts;
wheat germ and wheat germ oil
#5 Vegan Zinc: Legumes, seeds, grains, brewer’s yeast and green veggies
Zinc is important for helping our bodies fight infections, produce new cells and utilize protein, carbohydrates and fats. Foods which provide the most zinc nutrients are shellfish, meat and milk, but there are many plant-based sources as well. To get enough zinc in a vegetarian diet, include plenty of:
whole grains, including cereals and breads made with whole grains;
nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin seeds;
brewer’s yeast;
beans and lentils;
wheat germ;
dark green vegetables
#6 Vegan Iodine: Iodized salt, seaweed
Vegetarians are more likely to not consume enough iodine, as some or the richest sources of iodine include many seafoods. According to one study, 80% of vegans and 25% of vegetarians do not consume sufficient amounts of iodine. Make a point of using iodized salts, and try incorporating toasted seaweed into your diet. Or better yet, learn how to make vegan sushi, complete with nori sheets, avocado, cucumber slices and compressed tofu.
As reported by Us Magazine, Pregnant Natalie Portman, Oscar winner for The Black Swan, has reportedly taken a leave of absence from her vegan ways; whether this change is permanent or just an extra precaution to deliver more vitamin B12 to her unborn baby remains to be seen.
The 29-year-old actress, who is expecting a child with boyfriend Benjamin Millepied, has always been an outspoken advocate for the vegan lifestyle, which excludes such vitamin B12 sources such as eggs, meat, milk products and fish. Ms. Portman made the decision to become Vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals in 2009, according to the Daily Mail.
Recent news, such as the death of an infant in France who was exclusively breast-fed by her vegan mother, has brought to light the health risks involved with vitamin B12 deficiencyandanemia, which are common risk factors of veganism.
Natalie, who called in on the Q100 Bert Show, admitted, “I know there are people who do stay vegan, but I think you have to just be careful; watch your iron levels and your B12 levels, and supplement those if there are things you might be low in in your diet.”
Don’t expect to see Natalie heading for the steak house just yet, though; the Star Wars actress is following more of a traditional vegetarian diet, including eggs and dairy products which are rich sources of vitamin B12.
The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Chronic fatigue;
Depression;
Feebleness;
Short term memory loss;
Aggression;
Irritability;
Numbness or tinging in hands and feet;
Change in taste perception;
Sleep disturbances;
“Brain fog”
Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency could result in pernicious anemia, neurological damage or in severe cases, death.
The vegan diet has gained much popularity since Oprah Winfrey took her 7-day Vegan Challenge. But there’s more to following a vegan diet than just not eating animal products like meat, fish, eggs and dairy foods and observing Meatless Mondays.
A vegetarian diet requires a strict adherence to a nutritious vitamin fortified diet in order to avoid vitamin deficiency. And since vegans deliberately avoid eating proteins which are rich in vitamin B12, they must make a special effort to supplement everyday in order to avoid the many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as anemia.
Here is a short list of vitamins to include in your diet if you are a strict vegan:
Vitamin B12
If you’re a strict vegan, than you’re not getting enough vitamin B12, which occurs naturally in lean meats ( think beef chuck), cheeses (Swiss), shellfish (clams and mussels, in particular), fish and eggs.
There are great soy products (smoked tofu) which have B12; also nutritional yeast, which many vegans use as a cheesy substitute.
Don’t forget to supplement with extra vitamin B12, though.
Because vitamin B12 deficiency is serious business; your body needs this essential vitamin for proper brain functioning and production of red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency could cause anemia or severe neurological damage.
An easy, inexpensive way to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin B12 is to use a B12 patch; slap one on and forget about it.
If you’re a vegan who remembers to wear sunscreen everyday (and we hope you are), or if you live in a particularly cold climate where the sun don’t shine, there is a vegan vitamin D option available to you- ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2, which is a form of algae.
Calcium
Everybody needs 1000mg of calcium per day, which is the vegan equivalent of 3 cups of calcium fortified soy milk, a few cups of sauteed dark greens, or a large chunk of tofu with added calcium. Many seeds and nuts also have a decent amount of calcium in them. Still, in order to preserve you bones and avoid bone brittleness in old age, a vegan calcium supplement is highly regarded.
Iron
The best, most highly digestible forms of iron are found in non-vegan sources, so as with vitamin B12, the word is supplement, supplement, supplement- but be on the lookout for a low dose that doesn’t irritate the tummy. Women need 32mg or iron per day; men need about 14mg. Including a source of vitamin C along with your iron supplement will boost iron absorption.
Zinc
Zinc occurs in few vegan sources, but most people- vegan and meat-eaters alike- are able to eat sufficient amounts of zinc their diets. Zinc is used by many as an alternative medicine for preventing colds. Wheat germ and pumpkin seeds are very high in zinc- try tossing them into your salad for a tasty vitamin boost.
New research indicates that the vegan diet, while low in animal based fats, is nevertheless not as heart healthy as previously thought.
According to experts, eating an exclusively vegan diet may elevate your chances of developing blood clots and atherosclerosis- both of which may lead to heart attack and stroke.
The vegan diet excludes protein sources such as fish, meat, eggs and dairy, which are rich in essential vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
The report, published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists have collected data over the past 30 years relating to cardiovascular health of vegans versus omnivores. They concluded that vegetarians have a statistically high risk of accumulating blood clots and suffering from atherosclerosis as a result of not including vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.
Good sources of vitamin B12 include beef liver, lamb, oysters, clams, cheese and eggs. Foods which are rich in omega-3 oils include oily fish such as salmon and canned tuna.
Vegans and vegetarians are advised to supplement their diet with adequate amounts of vitamin B12 and omega-3 in order to prevent heart disease, stroke and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Oprah Winfrey is taking her farewell season to new heights with her latest “Vegan Challenge.”
Only days after stunning her afternoon TV talk show audience with her highly anticipated revelation of a half-sister, Oprah Winfrey is once again making headlines. This time, it’s all about going vegan.
Recently Oprah announced that she and the rest of her 378-member Harpo staff would be taking a seven -day vegan challenge. Promoting the new vegan diet book by author Kathy Freston, “Veganist: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, Change the World,” Oprah’s February 3, 2011 aired the results, including a shocking expose on a beef processing plant.
Her explanation for taking the Vegan Challenge- To raise awareness of animal cruelty and to demonstrate how living free of animal products can improve your health.
Kathy Freston’s book encourages getting your protein from whole grains, beans and lentils. Recipes featured on her show included a blueberry-banana-broccoli shake, Pumpernickel bread, veggie burgers and a new ingredient: Daiya, a cheese substitute derived from tapioca, arrowroot and peas.
And the results of the 7-day Vegan Challenge?
Out of the 378-crew, approximately 300 were able to complete the 7-day vegan diet.
Collectively they lost 444 pounds.
Many volunteers reported having digestive difficulties adjusting to the vegan entrees, being unaccustomed to following a diet rich in legumes.
Video editor Rich shared his success story- after 10 years of migraine headaches and chronic acid indigestion he has lost 11 pounds during the one-week challenge and has never felt better.
Unlike vegetarianism, which permits the eating of eggs, fish and cheese, the vegan diet is entirely plant-based; in addition to eschewing all foods which are even remotely derived from any animal source many vegans also shun leather goods and fur.
Considering going vegan? Proceed with caution; the typical vegan diet lacks Vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient which aids in red blood cell production and various neurological functions. A Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to pernicious anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory loss and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Hair loss got you down, as in down the drain? Women’s hair loss, male pattern baldness- it all amounts to the same impairment. But don’t throw in the bath towel just yet; here are a few treatments for hair loss that include changes you can make to your diet right now to put the breaks on that receding hairline and give you shinier, healthier hair.
Wholesome foods are just that- they benefit the body as a whole; what’s good for your digestive system is also good for your hair, skin and nails. Eating a variety of lean proteins, dairy, healthy oils, legumes and fruits and vegetables every day will ensure that your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly inside and out.
Remember, fat is not a four-letter word. “Good” fats are anti-inflammatories which keep your hair shiny and lush. Avoid saturated hydrogenated oils like margarine and opt instead for unsaturated canola. Elect to make one day of the week as “fish dinner” night, as well as supplementing with a daily dose of omega 3 fatty acids for lustrous locks.
Beware of iron deficiency. Particularly, women approaching middle age are at risk of developing anemia, a symptom of which is hair loss. When taking an iron supplement or having an iron-rich meal such as fortified cereal or spinach quiche, remember to include a dose of vitamin c for maximum impact.
Many women who experience premature balding suffer vitamin b12 deficiency, a condition which often leads to pernicious anemia. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, short-term memory loss, tingling in the extremities and nausea. Vitamin b12 deficiency is usually caused by a diet low in eggs, meat and poultry; standard vegan diets do not maintain a sufficient amount of vitamin b12 and are often a factor in vitamin b12 deficiency. A blood test by a physician is necessary to determine a deficiency in vitamin b12, in which a dose of 1000 mcg. of b12 is generally prescribed.
Another b vitamin, biotin, is also essential for a healthy head of hair; not only is biotin the key ingredient for development of hair follicles, it actually regulates all hair, nail and skin functioning. While biotin is found in some food products like egg yolks a 3 mg. supplement is required to get an adequate supply.
Choose silicone-enhanced shampoos and conditioners which coat the follicles with a silky surface for less tugging and strand pulling while combing.
Today’s health food stores stock a wide variety of goods to meet the needs of every diet known to mankind- low fat, low sugar, processed-free, nondairy, low carb, high protein…but what gives with gluten-free?
Gluten is a protein found in grain products such as wheat, spelt and barley, among others. Patients of celiac disease, a disorder which distresses the small intestines, have trouble digesting such products and are thus advised to follow a gluten-free diet. Health food aisles abound with gluten-free cake mixes, breads and pastas. Hundreds of recipe web sites offer creative suggestions for gluten-free living.
Rewind to thirty years ago, and most people would probably have not heard of celiac disease. So, how did celiac disease suddenly become a household name? Modernization provides a key – despite the advice from numerous health experts, we Americans still love our Wonder bread; those light, airy loaves cannot be produced without rich, glutinous dough, and agriculturalists have been striving to deliver the most highly glutinous crops of wheat available in order to meet our demands.
Another culprit might be commercial yeast, which has replaced sourdough yeast as the preferred rising agent among bread makers. According to a report published by Applied and Environmental Microbiology, sourdough yeast contains bacteria which break down the gluten in the dough, thereby reducing the likeliness of bowel irritation. Commercial yeasts offer no such protection.
Celiac disease can lead to other complications such as osteoporosis, anemia resulting from B12 deficiency, fatigue and weight gain, to name just a few. Incidences of celiac disease are rising, either due to increased wheat consumption or the public’s rising awareness of the disorder.
A doctor’s visit is required in order to ascertain whether one is suffering from celiac or from gluten intolerance, the latter of which is less harmful. Although gluten intolerance does not create any lasting damage, some experts believe that the continuance of a high-gluten diet might lead to an eventual celiac disease diagnosis.
A new study released by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) warns diabetics who take metformin to get their blood checked regularly for vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12.
Sold under the brand name of Glucophage, metformin is often prescribed to patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Metformin increases the body’s receptiveness to insulin while, at the same time, significantly decreasing the amount of glucose secreted by the liver; additionally, it also aids in lowering bad cholesterol. Scientists, however, have reason to believe that metformin may prevent the body from efficiently absorbing B12, a vitamin which is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and red blood cell production. According to recent research, patients who take metformin are 10% – 30% more likely to have difficulty utilizing B12. Health experts urge anybody taking the medication over a long period of time to have their B12 levels tested routinely.
B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed, as its symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses.
Treatment for B12 deficiency may include a series of B12 vitamin supplements taken in the form of intramuscular injections, nasal drops or patching. The former can be quite painful; patching offers a much gentler solution for people who are unable to absorb B12 naturally and must rely on ongoing supplementation.
Vitamin B12′s primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and the maintenance of the nervous system. If B12 deficiency occurs, DNA production is disrupted and abnormal cells called megaloblasts manifest, which results in anemia. B12 protect the nerves which are surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath called the myelin. B12 plays a vital 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. When deficiency occurs, it is more commonly linked to a failure to effectively absorb B12 from the intestine rather than the lack of B12-rich foods.
Vitamin B12 can be stored in small amounts by the body. Total body store is 2-5mg in adults. Around 80% of this is stored in the liver. Vitamin B12 is excreted in the bile and is then effectively reabsorbed – this is known as enterohepatic circulation. People on diets low in B12 may be obtaining more B12 from re-absorption than from the food they ingest. Re-absorption of the B12 from the bile is the reason it can take over 20 years for deficiency disease to develop. In comparison, if B12 deficiency is due to a failure in the absorption mechanisms it can take only 3 years for deficiency disease to occur.
The only reliable dietary sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy and eggs. The considerable research into possible plant food sources of B12 turned up few positive results. Fermented soya products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12 because they are products which have been “pre-digested” into various amino acids, making them easier to absorb. However, analysis of fermented soya products, including tempeh, miso, shoyu and tamari, found no significant B12.
Spirulina, algae available as a dietary supplement in tablet form, and nori, a seaweed, have both appeared to contain significant amounts of B12 after analysis. However, it is thought that this is due to the presence of compounds structurally similar to B12, known as B12 analogues. These cannot be used satisfy dietary needs. The body is unable to differentiate between B12 and its analogues. Researchers have suggested that supposed B12 supplements such as spirulina may in fact increase the risk of B12 deficiency disease, as the B12 analogues can compete with B12 and inhibit metabolism. The current nutritional consensus is that no plant foods can be relied on as a safe source of vitamin B12.
Bacteria present in the large intestine are able to synthesize B12. In the past, it has been thought that the B12 produced by these colonic bacteria could be absorbed and utilized. However, the bacteria produce B12 too far down in the intestine, and as B12 is not absorbed through the colon lining, this B12 just gets flushed out of the system. Supplementations such as the injections or patch should be used if you begin to experience the symptoms of B12 deficiency and you know that you are at risk.
3) Strawberry coconut milk ice cream
