Because our bodies don't have gauges or warning lights we are often unaware of nutrients we may be missing from our diet, and one of
the most common nutrient deficiencies involves vitamin B-12. A Tufts University Framingham Offspring Study showed that 40 percent of people between the ages of 26 and 83 have
plasma B-12 levels in the low normal range. A range at which many
experience neurological symptoms. Because B-12 is such a crucial nutrient for nerve health and the construction of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body, a deficiency in B-12 can be disastrous on your physical well being.
We have been talking a lot about B vitamins, and phosphorylated B vitamins at the studio recently. As it turns out there is not a lot of easy to understand information online about the benefits of the pre-binding phosphate to your B vitamins. Today's post will walk you through my thoughts on the benefits of taking a supplemental coenzyme B complex. The easiest way to describe the benefits of phosphorylated B's is to say they are "energetically preloaded" or ready for your body to use without an additional conversion in the liver. So what do we mean when we say "Phosphorylated B vitamins are coenzymes that are energy-preloaded for immediate use in your body"? To gain a better understanding we should look deeper at adenosine triphosphate better knows as ATP, and its role in the body. ATP is a coenzyme used as an energy carrier in the cells of all known organisms. ATP is know to biologists as the energy currency of life. It is the high-energy molecule that stores the energy we need to do just about everything we do. To really understand the benefits of phosphorylated B's we need to better understand ATP's role in energy in the body and how ATP is created, used and recycled. The basic function of the Krebs Cycle and the electron transport chain in the body is to make ATP. The Kerbs cycle is a series of reactions in the body used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbs, fats and proteins into carbon dioxide and chemical energy in the form of (ATP). ATP then donates one of its phosphorous molecules to an enzyme, or muscle group, etc. Whenever energy is needed for the life processes. Since so many of these biochemical steps require ATP, and its donation of phosphorous for conversion, our ATP supplies can run low, especially as we age. Older larger red blood cells, cells which have not divided into new cells, are unable to create new ATP. It is at this point that we can begin to see the significant benefits of phosphorylated B's. Phosphorylated B Vitamins are pre-bound to phosphate so their is no question that they will always work, even when their might not have been enough ATP energy available to convert a synthetic or inactive form of the same vitamin.
Since B-12 deficiencies are so common, its important to keep an awareness of your body and always be on the lookout for a possible dip in your Vitamin B-12 levels. Here is a list of the common symptoms of B-12 deficiency
* Chest pain or shortness of breath
* Fatigue or unexplained weakness
* Dizziness, trouble with balance, and fainting* Confusion, memory loss or dementia
* Coldness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
* Slow reflexes or diminished nervous system function
* Pale skin or yellowing of the skin
* Sore mouth and tongue
Of course their is more (Isn't there always more?) B-12 deficiency can actually cause brain shrinkage, according to a study done at the University of Oxford. There is still more research that needs to be completed, but some current research is also suggesting that their may be a link between vitamin B-12 deficiency and Alzheimer's.
So we have to ask ourselves, what are our options if we are experiencing B-12 deficiency?
Many people who are deficient in vitamin B-12 receive B-12 inter-muscular injections. This method of delivery is extremely effective because it bypasses the digestive tract and the B vitamins are able to be absorbed into the bloodstream directly. This method does of course requires hypodermic needles that pierce the flesh usually in the glutes or quads. Shots in general aren't always the most fun, especially B vitamin injections, which tend to be painful.
Another choice is taking a B vitamin that is liquid and able to be absorbed sublingually. The skin membrane underneath the tongue is one of the very thinnest membranes on the human body, and can allow nutrients to pass directly though and into the blood stream.
Finally there are the phosphorylated B vitamins. As we have discussed these pre-methylated B's are energy loaded and ready for your body to put to immediate use. These B vitamins have have several advantages over their non-phosphorylated counterparts.
* Increased absorption
* Better retention in tissues
* Supports production of SAMe
According to Ed Sharpe (No word on if the Magnetic Zero's agree)
"The coenzyme form of vitamin B12 is known as methylcobalamin or methyl B12. It's the only form of vitamin B12 which can directly participate in homocysteine metabolism. In addition, converting homocysteine to methionine via methyl B12 generates an increased supply of SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), the body's most important methyl donor."
In the end, for me its a simple story, if you're feeling any of the listed deficiency symptoms, why not try a Co-Enzyme B Complex, and see if it makes you feel better. If you are looking for some great B supplements check out these this great option on amazon. .
Another choice is taking a B vitamin that is liquid and able to be absorbed sublingually. The skin membrane underneath the tongue is one of the very thinnest membranes on the human body, and can allow nutrients to pass directly though and into the blood stream.
Finally there are the phosphorylated B vitamins. As we have discussed these pre-methylated B's are energy loaded and ready for your body to put to immediate use. These B vitamins have have several advantages over their non-phosphorylated counterparts.
* Increased absorption
* Better retention in tissues
* Supports production of SAMe
According to Ed Sharpe (No word on if the Magnetic Zero's agree)
"The coenzyme form of vitamin B12 is known as methylcobalamin or methyl B12. It's the only form of vitamin B12 which can directly participate in homocysteine metabolism. In addition, converting homocysteine to methionine via methyl B12 generates an increased supply of SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), the body's most important methyl donor."
In the end, for me its a simple story, if you're feeling any of the listed deficiency symptoms, why not try a Co-Enzyme B Complex, and see if it makes you feel better. If you are looking for some great B supplements check out these this great option on amazon. .
