Black and Blue from B12 Injections?

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Vitamin B12 deficiency causes unexplained bruising, but so do cyanocobalamin vitamin B12 shots. Pernicious anemia symptoms (easy bruising, low blood platelets) are treatable with vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin injections, but (methylcobalamin) B12 shots side effects are painful and inconvenient.

Vitamin B12 benefits

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs to make sufficient red blood cells (hemoglobin) and to keep your nervous system running smoothly.  Without sufficient vitamin B12, you might develop B12 deficiency, which causes side effects such as chronic fatigue, “brain fog,” loss of balance, memory loss, depression, altered taste perception, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.  (For more information about vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms, see B12 Deficiency: Don’t Ignore the Symptoms.)

Vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency often occurs in people who lack intrinsic factor, and are thus unable to digest vitamin B12 in natural food sources, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and milk products.  Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency could result in pernicious anemia (a form of megaloblastic anemia), in addition to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and severe damage to your nervous system.  Some anemia symptoms include:

• Low production of red blood cells

• Low blood platelets- See Thrombocytopenia (Photo, Flickr)
• Unexplained bruising
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Tingling sensation or numbness in hands and feet
• Bright red tongue

The problem with B12 shots

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If your doctor diagnoses vitamin B12 deficiency, then he will prescribe vitamin B12 supplements, often as a vitamin B12 injection administered on a weekly basis.  The B12 shot is inserted through the thick tissue near the thigh, and is usually very painful.  Many B12 deficiency patients report profuse bleeding, sore muscles, and bruising as a result of their weekly B1 shot.  Some pernicious anemia patients opt to insert their vitamin B12 injection at home for better convenience.  (See How to Give Vitamin B12 Injection.) Still, reports of unexplained bruising and soreness from B12 shots continue:

“Vitamin B12 injections can sometimes cause bruising and soreness where the needle was inserted.  Other side-effects include feeling sick, headaches, and dizziness, but these are rare.” (Vitamin B12-deficiency Anaemia- BUPA)

Alternatives to vitamin B12 injections

For patients who dread painful intramuscular B12 shots, there are some alternatives.  Sublingual vitamin B12 pills that dissolve under your tongue are available, but health experts dispute their effectiveness.  An increasingly popular option is to supplement with a weekly vitamin B12 patch, which contains the same dosage of B12 in one week as a single weekly vitamin B12 injection.

The advantages of using a B12 patch are numerous:

• No need for a doctor’s prescription
• Convenience
• Ease of use
• Inexpensive
• No skin irritation
• No bruising
• No bleeding

Related reading:

Signs and Symptoms of 6 Types of Anemia Blood Disease

Vitamin Deficiencies can drive you Crazy- Seriously! Part 2

Vitamin Deficiencies can drive you Crazy- Seriously! Part 1

Preparing your Children for Shots- 6 Tips to Ease the Pain

Sources:

Thrombocytopenia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Pernicious Anemia Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention on MedicineNet.com

How to Give Vitamin B12 Injection- LIVESTRONG

Vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia – information from Bupa on vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia- Bupa UK

The ABCs of the Best Vitamins for Energy

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Learn which vitamins and minerals are best for keeping fit, building muscle, boosting energy, protecting your immune system, and improving athletic performance.

#1: Vitamin A

Orange veggies (carrots, yams, etc.) that are high in vitamin A are excellent for eyesight, but that’s not all.  Vitamin A also helps your body build protein, which is essential for building strong, healthy muscles.  Vitamin A also helps your body store energy by aiding in the production of glycogen.

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#2: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine is one of the most important vitamins for generating muscle growth for optimal stamina during a workout.  That is because vitamin B1 helps your body to digest protein and deliver oxygen to your muscles through hemoglobin.

#3: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Riboflavin’s impact on athletic performance is threefold:

• Riboflavin helps to boost energy by converting glucose.
• Riboflavin aids in extracting oxygen from fatty acids.
• Riboflavin moves hydrogen ions through the Krebs cycle, which is essential for protein synthesis from amino acids and reproducing DNA.

#4: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Of all the B complex vitamins, niacin is perhaps the most crucial for converting the calories from foods we eat into energy.  Niacin aids in metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and fats, in addition to supporting your nervous system, producing hormones, and lowering cholesterol levels.

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#5: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine helps your body digest proteins and carbohydrates.  The amount of B6 you need correlates with the amount of protein foods in your diet.

#6: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system.  Cobalamin B12 supplements benefit your body by preventing vitamin B12 deficiency, and aiding in the following bodily functions:

• Cognitive development
• Body coordination and movement, via nervous system
• Cell metabolism, particularly oxygen-carrying red blood cells
• DNA synthesis
• Convers,ion of fatty acids into energy

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#7: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that boosts your immune system.  Because vitamin C dissolves rapidly in water, including muscular tissue, athletes with the most muscle require more vitamin C than non-body builders require, and must supplement their vitamin C intake accordingly.  The health benefits of the antioxidant vitamin C are numerous; they include:

• Killing free radicals
• Metabolizing amino acids, particularly collagen, a protein that is responsible for “gluing” muscular tissue with bone
• Increasing oxygen intake by absorbing iron
• Producing and releasing vital hormones, including testosterone

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#8: Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body extract calcium from foods such as dairy products, salmon, and dark leafy greens.  Calcium helps your body produce strong bones, muscular tissue, and aids in muscular contraction.  Vitamin D also helps you digest phosphorus, which is also essential for proper muscular functioning, in addition to the synthesis of the energy molecule, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

#9: Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in wheat germ, healthy vegetable cooking oils, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and many breakfast cereals.  Vitamin E protects your muscles by reducing free radicals.  Vitamin E is also essential in preventing cancer.

#10: Biotin

Biotin is instrumental in digesting amino acids and boosting energy.  Bodybuilders who consume raw egg whites may become deficient in biotin because of avidin, a naturally occurring protein in eggs.  In addition to developing biotin deficiency, athletes who eat uncooked eggs expose themselves to the risks of salmonella food poisoning.

#11: Electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, and chloride)

Electrolytes are essential for preventing dehydration caused by excessive perspiring during exercise, or exposure to extremely hot, dry weather.  Electrolytes include minerals such as sodium, magnesium, and chloride, the loss of which lead to symptoms such as muscular cramps, heatstroke, and mental disorientation.  Athletes should opt for drinking water fortified with electrolytes, as your body is unable to produce these minerals naturally.

#12: Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid that occurs predominantly in fish and poultry.  Creatine supplements help your body convert energy from phosphorus, and are popular among athletes who favor sports that require quick, intense bursts of energy, such as bodybuilding, sparring, kickboxing, or sprinting.

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Related reading:

Boost Athletic Performance, Part 1- 4 Foods and Nutrients

6 Food Cravings that Signal Vitamin Deficiency

11 Easy Strategies for Eating Healthy on a Tight Food Budget

Sources:

B-Vitamins and Athletic Performance

Top 10 Vitamins for Bodybuilders

Nutrition Supplement: Vitamins and Diet for Athletic Performance

What is the Krebs Cycle?

Does Niacin Give You Energy?

Adenosine Triphosphate

Pre-Workout Foods that Supply Energy

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Diet and nutrition news: Discover which healthy, nutritious foods boost energy, protect your immune system, increase stamina, and improve athletic performance.

Get motivated

Following an exercise regimen is crucial for optimal health.  Not only is it necessary for maintaining or losing weight, but it is also essential for managing illnesses such as depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes.  Post-bariatric surgery patient must also follow a physical fitness program.

Flickr

Get moving

To get the most out of your daily workout, make sure to eat the right foods.  Eating healthy, nutritious pre-workout snacks will help to boost energy, prevent exhaustion, and minimize sports injuries.

Here are four foods that health experts recommend for athletic performance:

1) PB & J

For optimal energy before a sports meet, munch on something with lots of complex carbohydrates and protein. Old School peanut butter and jelly sandwiches get a nutritious update when you substitute whole-grain bread in place of pasty white sliced bread, organic all-natural peanut butter for the sugary processed kind, and 100% fruit spread instead of syrupy-sweet jam.  Also read: Boost Energy and Beat Fatigue All Day Long- 8 Sure-Fire Tips

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2) Fruit and Yogurt

Yogurt contains active live cultures that are beneficial for breeding healthy “good” bacteria in your gut.  Opt for low-fat plain yogurt, and flavor it with fresh fruit and granola. In a hurry?  Toss it in the blender, whir it around for a minute, and pour yourself a refreshing fruit smoothie.  Some delicious yogurt concoctions to try are berries ‘n mint, cinnamon apple “a la mode,” and date-nut shake.  Also read: 7 Days of Refreshing, High Energy Smoothies without Caffeine

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3) Dark Chocolate

We kid you not.  According to research from Wayne State University, dark chocolate contains ingredients that help boost sports performance.  Small doses of chocolate, combined with daily exercise, improve muscle strengthening by 50 percent.  Also read:  6 Food Cravings that Signal Vitamin Deficiency

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4) Honey

Carbohydrates such as glucose provide energy.  Before going on that long bike ride or running a marathon, you need an extra dose of healthy sugars to give you the stamina you need to get the most out of your workout.  Honey is whole, all-natural blend of healthy sugars that delivers pure energy.  Also read: Marathon Runner to eat only McDonalds Food- her 31 Day Menu

Flickr

Related reading:

Eight Great Juices that Heal and Protect your Body

Sources:

Dark Chocolate May Help Boost Athletic Performance

Honey Heightens Athletic Performance

5 Ways Nutrition Can Boost Athletic Performance

Vitamin B12 deficiency can start with a few symptoms like tiredness and slight tingling or numbness in hands and feet; ignore the symptoms and low B12 levels could escalate into severe nerve damage, disease or death.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Below is a list of some of the most common side effects which may arise from insufficient stores of vitamin B12. (Please note that the severity of the symptoms may vary according to the stage of B12 deficiency.)

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Aggressive behavior
• Hallucinations
• Sleep problems
• Frailness
• Imbalance, difficulty walking with coordination
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
• Altered taste perception
• Heart palpitations
• Short-term memory loss
• Also read: B12 Deficiency can really Get on your Nerves

B12 and your body

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble nutrient. Therefore, your body is only able to store it for a short time. Vitamin B12 has many important functions in your body.

• Vitamin B12 is essential for producing plenty of healthy red blood cells and synthesizing DNA. A lack of B12 severely reduces your body’s ability to make sufficient red blood cells for carrying oxygen throughout your body. Pernicious anemia is a life-threatening condition which results from long-term vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Your nervous system is dependent on vitamin B12, which enhances communication between the brain and your many nerve sensors, such as those in your fingertips, feet and mouth. This explains why sufferers of B12 deficiency notice a sensation similar to wearing gloves throughout the day; others report that their food tastes unusual, another clue that the body’s neurons are not operating correctly.  A deficiency of vitamin B12 compromises your nervous system and could result in permanent neurological damage.
• Researchers have found a direct link between vitamin B12 deficiency and brain atrophy among the elderly. I one study which appeared in the Journal of Nutrition, senior citizens who had the highest levels of B12 experienced age-related dementia later in life than elderly individuals who did not have high vitamin B12 levels. Now Eat This: Preventing Age Related Hearing Loss
• Vitamin B12 helps your body monitor homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine increases one’s risk for heart attacks.

What diseases are associated with B12 deficiency?

There are many illnesses which occur when B12 levels are low; some conditions may be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, while others are closely correlated. Below are some common illnesses associated with B12 deficiency, including many which most people don’t realize are affected by vitamin B12 stores.

• Alzheimer’s disease, brain deterioration, cognitive decline, memory loss and other forms of dementia
• Neurological diseases such as Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cardiovascular disease, caused by high homocysteine levels
• Mental illness, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychosis
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Autoimmune diseases, such as AIDS and pernicious anemia
• Cancer
• Infertility

Eating Your Way Out of Depression with B-12

B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed

According to a Tufts University study, 40 percent of people between the ages of 26 and 83 have low to medium-low B12 levels, indicating a deficiency severe enough to cause neurological disorder symptoms, while 9 percent are depleted enough to the point of irreversible neurological damage and life-threatening symptoms. Approximately 16 percent are close to becoming vitamin B12 deficient.

Why is vitamin B12 deficiency overlooked?

Only a blood test can properly determine if somebody is suffering from B12 deficiency, and most physicians don’t include a B12 screening with yearly check-ups. Also, many of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are similar to common health disorders, such as diabetes, chronic depression and fatigue.

How can you prevent vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is found in many high protein foods. Excellent sources of B12 are:

• Lean beef cuts, such as chuck and sirloin
• Poultry
• Fish, particularly salmon, tuna and halibut
• Shellfish, including crab meat, mussels, clams and oysters
• Dairy products, such as swiss cheese, yogurt, milk and cottage cheese
• Eggs

Vegans are at a high risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency, as their diet specifically excludes food items which provide vitamin B12. Other people who are at risk of getting B12 deficiency are patients of weight loss surgery, diabetics on metformin, individuals with gastrointestinal disease, people who lack intrinsic factor and anybody taking prescription heartburn medication.

The only way to prevent becoming deficient in vitamin B12 is by constantly replenishing your body with B12-rich nutrients. Alternatively, patients diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency are encouraged to take vitamin B12 supplements, such as sublingual B12 tablets, nasal sprays, B12 shots or a weekly vitamin B12 patch.

Find more information on preventing vitamin B12 deficiency:

Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why You Might Not B

On Becoming Vegan: Avoiding Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Others

In the dark about vitamin B12?  There are so many food sources and types of vitamin B that it can get confusing. What exactly is vitamin B12, what are its benefits, and what are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

What is Vitamin B12?

• Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin which was first discovered when it was linked with pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease.
• Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin because it contains rare cobalt.
• Vitamin B12 is digested when hydrochloric acids in your stomach extract vitamin B12 from a variety of protein sources.
• Vitamin B12 then combines with intrinsic factor before being absorbed into the intestines.
• The synthetic form of vitamin B12, cyanocobalamin, is used by pharmaceutical companies such as the B12 Patch for vitamin B12 supplements; cyanocobalamin is also valued for its stability and low cost, and for that reason is often used as a food additive.

B12: Celebs Say it’s the New C

What are the benefits of vitamin B12?

Some of the main benefits of vitamin B12 have to do with maintaining a healthy nervous system, producing plenty of red blood cells, and decreasing our risk for developing cardiovascular disease:

• We need vitamin B12 for healthy nerve cells; vitamin B12 aids in conducting neurotransmitter activity between the brain and our many sensors. Also, vitamin B12 is beneficial in metabolizing fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for building the myelin sheath, a set of proteins which protects our nerve cells.
• Vitamin B12 functions in production of red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout our bodies.
• Our bodies utilize vitamin B12 for cell metabolism, particularly in relation to (DNA) genetic material.
• Vitamin B12 regulates production of homocysteine; strong correlations exist between vitamin B12 deficiency, high homocysteine levels and increased risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular disease.

Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why You Might Not Be

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

There are many conditions which are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Some common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Chronic fatigue;
• Depression;
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet;
• Short term memory loss;
• Increased aggressiveness;
• Change in taste perception;
• Irritability;
• heart palpitations;
• Sleep difficulties;
• Imbalance, dizziness

Eating Your Way Out of Depression with B-12

Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to pernicious anemia or severe damage to the nervous system.

Where do you get vitamin B12?

• Vitamin B12 can be found in many protein sources; some good food sources for getting a healthy dose of vitamin B12 include lean chuck beef, oysters, clams and many other shellfish, dairy products like swiss cheese and yogurt, eggs, and fish, such as salmon and halibut.

Nine Healthiest Canned Foods: Many Contain Vitamin B12

• Vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk for developing a vitamin B12 deficiency, as their diets strictly exclude the riches food sources of B12. Vegans are strongly advised to supplement their diet with homocysteine vitamin B12, in order to prevent B12 deficiency which could result in pernicious anemia or severe neurological damage.

On Becoming Vegan: Avoiding Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Others

• Some people lack the intrinsic factor needed to properly digest vitamin B12; individuals who suffer gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s or have had gastric bypass surgery cannot utilize vitamin B12 naturally and are  advised to supplement with homocysteine, a highly digestible, convenient and inexpensive form of vitamin B12 which is used by many pharmaceutical companies, such as the vitamin B12 patch.

Also read:

Pregnant Moms and Low B-12 Levels: Let ‘em Eat Steak!

Source:

Wikipedia

We’ve all heard of overeaters binging themselves into a state of depression- a vicious circle which is difficult to get out of. But eating for happiness?

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is linked with depression

Vitamin B12 is essential for many aspects of brain development, such as myelination (the production of a protective layer around the brain) and the distributing of neurotransmitters to and from the brain. So it comes as no surprise that the Mayo Clinic suggests eating foods rich in vitamin B-12 as a means of preventing the onset of clinical depression.

“Eat to live, don’t live to eat.”

That’s a great motto if you happen to be an android. The fact is, eating is a sensual experience which we were meant to enjoy. (Why else would we have taste buds?) The key to good nutrition is finding foods you love that will love you right back.

Male depression is on the rise. Is it the recession or “Manpression?“

Here are some yummy appetizers and entrées which are naturally high in vitamin B-12:

• Fish tacos- Made popular by Rubio’s, the fish tacos is a tasty fusion of Cal-Mex and seafood cuisine.  Take a soft flour tortilla, add some fiery mango salsa, a dab of sour cream and a grilled fish fillet (hint: salmon is high in B-12).  It’s a wrap!

• Are you a Sushi lover? Then you’re going to love this- sushi and sashimi recipes typically include such high-in-B12 ingredients as roe (fish eggs), octopus, crab, shrimp, and mackerel. Pass the soy sauce!

• New England clam chowder- just the name elicits images of salty sea breezes, sailboats and clam bakes. Don’t have any recipes handy? Here is a list of variations on this classic soup recipe.

• Lean cuts of lamb are high in vitamin B-12 and a popular staple of many Middle Eastern cuisines. Here is a flavorful Lamb Moussaka recipe, as featured in epicurious.
• Tuna casserole is one of America’s fave comfort foods and it’s simple to make- combine canned tuna, cooked broad noodles, and a can of concentrated mushroom soup. Top it with some fried onions and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Tuna is high in B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Hamburgers barbecued with low-fat ground beef chuck are a great source of vitamin B-12. Serve it up on whole-grain buns with a side of oven roasted root veggies for a healthy upgrade from the typical artery-clogging burgers ‘n fries.

Sources:

Newsmax

HealthAliciousNess.com

Vitamin B12 benefits have been proven scientifically. The science behind the vitamin b12 benefits has prompted vitamin b12 to be produced in all types of forms. There are injectable forms of vitamin b12 and there are ingestible forms of vitamin b12. The use of vitamin b12 as an elixir for all types of physical maladies is nothing new. The practice of using vitamin b12 has been around for quite some time.

Vitamin B12 Benefits

Vitamin b12 benefits are numerous and span from the youngest members of society to the oldest. Vitamin b12 benefits for the body include:

• Keeping melatonin levels up
• Alleviating depression
• Treatment for Alzheimer’s
• Treatment of asthma in children
• Support and increase the immune system in adults and children
• Increased metabolic rate

It would seem that the vitamin b12 benefits run the gamut of health issues. Vitamin b12 benefits may also include the treatment of HIV, the precursor to AIDS.

How Does Vitamin B12 Work?

Vitamin b12 is actually separate b vitamins. There is thiamine, riboflavin, biotin and folic acid amongst others. These individual vitamins work on different structures of the human body. These vitamins are utilized by the body on a molecular level and are used in the production of red blood cells, immunity cells, muscle fibers and other molecular structures. The vitamin b12 is an integral part of the chemical makeup of the human body.

Where Does it Come From?

Vitamin b12 is normally received through food sources. Most diets provide enough vitamin b12 on a daily basis. There are some diseases that deplete the body of vitamin b12. Pernicious anemia is a condition where the vitamin b12 found in diets is not enough, and supplements need to be taken. With pernicious anemia the body does not process the vitamin b12 the way it is supposed to, so supplements are introduced to increase the amount of vitamin b12 in the body with the hope that the overwhelming amount will cause some of the vitamin b12 to be absorbed. Vitamin b12 benefits can be realized with the minimal amounts that are require each day. Supplementing vitamin b12 may or may not increase the benefits of vitamin b12. A medical professional is a good source to use to determine in vitamin b12 benefits will increase with the use of a supplement to the diet.

Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin b12 supplements can be purchased at any health food store, grocery store, drug store or warehouse discount store. Supplements usually come in pill or liquid form. Vitamin b12 benefits are clear and if the diet is not providing the recommended daily allowance than supplements would be a good choice.