Michael Castleman
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 In addition to standard chemotherapy, Finnish researchers gave people with lung cancer a daily supplement containing vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin b12, niacinamide, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and potassium. Nutritional therapy significantly reduced the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and compared with those who took no supplements, those who did survived significantly longer. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The association between vitamin b12 and abnormal fatty acid synthesis provides a rationale for the neuropathy of cobalamin deficiency. Odd-chain fatty acids would build up in membrane lipids of nervous tissue, resulting in altered myelin integrity and demyelina-tion, leading eventually to impaired nervous system functioning.27
Palmitelaidic acid (16:1®9t), elaidic acid (18:1(o9t)
The trans fatty acids, elaidic and palmitelaidic acid, are prevalent in most diets because of the widespread use of hydrogenated oils by manufacturers of margarine, bakery products, and peanut butters. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Malabsorption of fat and vitamin b12 before and after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 1978; 13: 529-536
78. Hughes RG, Williams N. Leukocyte ascorbic acid in Crohn's disease. Digestion 1978; 17: 272-274
79. Gerson CD, Fabry EM. Ascorbic acid deficiency and fistula formation in regional enteritis. Gastroenterol 1974; 67: 428^33
80. Lih-Brody L, Powell SR, Collier KP. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defenses in mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci 1996; 41: 2078-2086
81. Middleton E. The flavonoids. |
| Serum iron, vitamin b12, folic acid, and hemoglobin levels did not differ between the two groups. A rating scale with a maximum score of 10 was used to assess the severity of restless legs syndrome symptoms. Serum ferritin levels were inversely correlated with the severity of restless legs syndrome symptoms. Fifteen of the patients with restless legs syndrome were treated with iron (ferrous sulfate) at a dosage of 200 mg three times daily for 2 months. |
| Supplements
• High potency multiple vitamins and minerals
• Vitamin C: 500-1,000 mg three times / day
• Vitamin E: 200-400 IU/day
• Flaxseed oil: 1 tbsp / day
• 5-HTP: 100-200 mg three times/day
• Folic acid and vitamin B12: 800 meg of each daily.
Botanical medicines
If under the age of 50, St John's wort extract (0.3% hypericin) should be used at a dosage of 300 mg three times daily. In severe cases, St John's wort extract can be used in combination with 5-HTP. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The studies in multiple sclerosis and coronary artery disease are also briefly discussed below along with a discussion on the relationship to vitamin b12 and melatonin secretion.
Jet-lag
Several double-blind studies have shown melatonin to be very effective in relieving jet-lag.13"16 Different dosage recommendations have been given. Some researchers have recommended that melatonin be taken at the beginning of the sleep period at the point of departure starting a few days before departure (especially when traveling eastward). |
| Calcium is involved in numerous vital functions throughout the body, including:
• protein and fat digestion
• energy production
• nerve transmission
• neuromuscular activity
• the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamin b12.
Table 108. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Supplements important for healthy, "slippery" blood (follow dosage recommendations for daily vitamins in this book) include magnesium, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin b12, vitamin E, selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, lysine and garlic.
If you have high levels of vitamin C, your risk of dying from a stroke may be half that of those with lower levels. This is according to a major study published in the British Medical Journal that tracked 730 elderly men and women for 20 years. Low levels of vitamin C were a strong predictor of death from stroke. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| It is seen in uremia, and 7% have a vitamin b12 deficiency.12 It is also a congenital condition in as much as 1% of the population.13
REFERENCES
1. Roe DA. Drug-induced nutritional deficiencies. Westport, CN: AVI Publ. 1976: p 7-11
2. Worthington-Roberts BS. Contemporary developments in nutrition. St Louis: Mosby. 1981: p 225
3. Herbert V. Folic acid deficiency in the United States: folate assays in a prenatal clinic. Am J Obs Gyn 1975; 123:175
4. Daniel WA, Gaines EG, Bennet DL. Dietary intakes and plasma folate in healthy adolescents. Am I Clin Nutr 1975; 28:363-370
5. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Both excess potassium (such as is caused by ACE inhibitors) and cimetidine (Tagamet) and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole can interfere with the absorption of vitamin b12. A deficiency of B12 can cause symptoms of senility. How many older people have been put into nursing homes because they were taking cimetidine long term, which blocked B12 absorption? We see ads on TV for these drugs over and over and over again, and eventually, even though we know better, we think the drugs are harmless because that's how they're portrayed in the advertising. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The effect of vitamin b12 deprivation on the enzymes of fatty acid synthesis. J Biol Chem 1973; 248: 7450
28. Abbey M, Nestel PJ. Plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein activity is increased when trans-elaidic acid is substituted for cis-oleic acid in the diet. Atherosclerosis 1994; 106: 99-107
29. Persad RA, Hillatt DA, Heinemann D et al: Erythrocyte stearic to oleic acid ratio in prostatic carcinoma. Brit J Urol 1990; 65: 268
30. Mougios V, Kotzamanidis C, Koutsari C et al. Exercise-induced changes in the concentration of individual fatty acids and triacylglycerols of human plasma. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Vitamin B12 is often taken in higher doses, 500-1000 megs, per day, to relieve fatigue. Injections of B12 in these amounts are used to treat a variety of low-energy and mental symptoms previously described as well as during some weight loss programs. When there is fatigue or anemia, it is a good idea to get the blood level of B12 checked by a doctor. It may lead to a very simple and successful treatment.
Other B Vitamins
I include here other very important B vitamins that are known only by their chemical names. |
| If there is any problem with absorption (this can be checked by monitoring blood levels), vitamin b12 injections would be indicated. An amino acid formula or protein powder may also be useful if there is any fatigue, excessive weight loss, or concern about inadequate protein ingestion, digestion, or assimilation.
The following table offers a basic supplement plan as insurance for those on a vegetarian diet. Some naturalists do not like to take "vitamins," as they are not whole foods, but extracts of foods or synthetic preparations, but in many instances I feel that they are indicated. |
| Folic acid and vitamin b12 are important for building blood cells and for energy. Supplemental B12, even through injections, is often helpful for enhancing energy levels in the elderly. Vitamin C intake may also be inadequate, because of avoidance of citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables; this deficiency may lead to poor tissue health, healing abilities, and disease resistance.
The diets of the elderly population are often deficient in many minerals. |
| This inadequacy of digestion by limited production of HQ (and digestive enzymes) may well in fact be one of the most common health factors affecting the elderly, though it may be less obvious than some more externalized problems. vitamin b12 absorption may also be low because of weak intrinsic factor, which is produced by the same parietal cells that produce hydrochloric acid. Calcium intake is one of the biggest concerns. Calcium deficiency is more common in women than in men. Low-calcium foods, lack of exercise, low hydrochloric acid, and poor digestion lessen calcium availability. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Neurologic symptoms of vitamin b12 deficiency can occur, contrary to what was previously believed, in the absence of predecessor hematologic abnormalities. Among neurologic abnormalities noted are those involving the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, optic nerves and cerebrum. Sensory disturbances, such as paresthesias in the extremities, are considerably more common than motor disturbances. Neuropathies and myelopathies can occur alone or in combination. Cognitive impairment and mood changes are more common than dementia, psychosis, paranoia and violent behavior. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| For example, elevated methylmalonic acid in urine is a well-established and sensitive indicator of functional vitamin b12 deficiency.5 This method of assessment of nutritional status is of far greater clinical applicability than serum levels of specific nutrients, as it allows a functional evaluation of nutritional status, thus incorporating the wide variability of biochemical individuality.
Organic acids
The term "organic acids" refers to a broad class of compounds used in fundamental metabolic processes of the body. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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 Recommendation: 50 to 100 mg B6 daily.
• vitamin b12 deficiency causes a quite well-known anemia, called pernicious anemia, in which the red blood cells produced are few in number but large in size. Symptoms of severe weakness, fatigue, and mental cloudiness accompany the low blood count. Recommendation: To be certain your body absorbs this vitamin, I would recommend that you take it in shot form in a dose of 1000 micrograms of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin weekly for 4 to 6 weeks, then monthly for at least a year and possibly indefinitely. |
Earl Mindell
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 Required for the proper absorption of vitamin b12. Necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and magnesium.
Dairy products are relatively poor sources of B6.
What It Can Do For You:
In combination with folic acid, it can help break down the amino acid homocysteine, lowering the risk of heart disease significantly.
Strengthen the immune system.
Help prevent kidney stone formation.
Properly assimilate protein and fat.
Aid in the conversion of tryptophan, an essential amino acid, to niacin.
Help prevent various nervous and skin disorders. |
| In the human diet, vitamin b12 is supplied primarily by animal products, since plant foods (with minor exceptions) don't contain it.
Unique among water-soluble vitamins, it can be stored in the body; it can take up to three years to deplete your supply.
What It Can Do For You:
Form and regenerate red blood cells, thereby preventing anemia.
Help break down the amino acid homocysteine, lowering the risk of heart disease. Promote growth and increase appetite in children. Increase energy.
Maintain a healthy nervous system.
Properly utilize fats, carbohydrates, and protein. |
| Some smart nutrients you'd be wise to look into and look for, especially in combination supplements, are: Vitamin E, grapeseed extract, lipoic acid, NADH (coenzyme I), vitamin Bl (thiamin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin b12, folic acid, choline, L-carnitine, phenylalanine, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), DMAE (dimethylamino-ethanol), ginkgo biloba, goto kola, hupA (huperzine A), magnesium, pregnenolone, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and inositol. None of these brain-boosters will make you an Einstein, but they can help you remember where you put your car keys. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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| You may also want to take an injection of 1000 micrograms of vitamin b12 weekly for 1 month if your physician will assist you. You will absorb the vitamin more effectively in shot form than by mouth.
Herbal remedies
• Echinacea boosts your immune system, and an enhanced immune system is more resistant to infection. Apply a few drops directly to the bum.
• Worldwide, people have used garlic and its relatives (chives, leeks, and scallions) to treat bums. Mash the plant and apply directly to the bum as a paste. The herb's antiseptic qualities will go right to work. |
| If your blood levels decline, you may need to take vitamin b12 in shot form periodically, maybe 3 or 4 times a year.
Recommended Usage—VitaminTs~sucrra~p7)TeTTfvitamIrr hat the amounts necessary to provide protection from deficiency ire measured in micrograms, not milligrams. (One microgram is /1000th of a milligram.) The DRI for this vitamin is 6 micrograms or adult men and women and 8 /nzcrograms for pregnant and lac-iting women. |
Earl Mindell
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| The utilization of choline in the body depends on vitamin b12, folic acid, and the amino acid L-carnitine.
What It Can Do For You:
Help control cholesterol buildup.
Aid in the sending of nerve impulses, specifically those in the brain used in the formation of memory.
Assist in conquering the problem of memory loss in later years. (Doses of 1-5 g. a day.)
Help eliminate poisons and drugs from your system by aiding the liver.
Produce a soothing effect.
Aid in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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| If you supplement with folic acid, you should ask your personal physician to check the level of vitamin B]2 in your blood periodically and supplement extra vitamin b12 in shot form if your levels are low.
• Your body requires vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to produce the mood-elevating brain chemical serotonin as well as other brain chemicals important in maintaining a stable, contented mood. Deficiency of this B vitamin could lead to deficiency of these brain chemicals and a worsening of depression, and the converse is that supplementing this vitamin may be important in overcoming depression. |
Earl Mindell
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| Cyanocobalamin is the commercially available form of vitamin b12 used in vitamin pills. Measured in micrograms (meg.)
The only vitamin that contains essential mineral elements.
Not well assimilated through the stomach. Needs to be combined with calcium during absorption to properly benefit the body.
Recommended adult dose is 2 meg., with 2.2 meg. suggested for pregnant women and 2.6 meg. for nursing mothers.
A diet low in B1 and high in folic acid (such as a vegetarian diet) often hides a vitamin-B12 deficiency.
A properly functioning thyroid gland helps B12 absorption. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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| Warning: High doses of folic acid can hide a deficiency in vitamin b12. Your physician must also periodically check your blood for deficiency of this vitamin and supplement it if necessary. Refer to the discussion of these vitamins for more information.
• Deficiency of vitamin E can also cause restless legs in some people. Recommendation: Take vitamin E, as d-alpha-tocopherol succinate, in a dose of400 IU per day for at least 4 to 6 weeks to assess your response. Warning: Vitamin E can cause elevation of blood pressure in some people. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 B12 deficiency in patients with chronic tinnitus. This deficiency was more widespread and severe in the tinnitus group that was associated with noise exposure, suggesting a relationship between vitamin Bi 2 deficiency and dysfunction of the auditory pathway. Supplemental cobalamin was found to provide some relief in several patients with severe tinnitus.
Zinc
Studies have shown that there is a high content of zinc in the inner ear. Ochi et al. |
Gary Null
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 It contains vitamin b12 (rare outside the meat family) and can be cooked in a variety of delicious ways. Try sprinkling it with sesame seeds and soy sauce and broiling it, or sauteing it with chopped onions. Serve it with brown rice, green vegetables, and a brightly colored salad for a perfect dinner. You can also make your own tempeh with a starter kit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Soy flour, which contains more protein than meat,37 can be used in baking. You can find recipes in whole grain cookbooks. |
| A deficiency in either E or selenium can cause these cells to break down, resulting in a type of anemia that neither iron nor vitamin b12 can cure.
In another capacity, selenium is responsible for helping transferrin retrieve the iron from your broken hemoglobin when the red blood cells die—after 120 to 130 days.12
• Fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that produce the collagen for your tissues and for the cells that make up the matrices of your bones and teeth.13 Selenium protects the fibroblasts from oxidation.
• Eyes. Selenium is vital in protecting your eyes against cataracts. |
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