A few patients had asked me for Vit B12 injection to boost their energy. I was not aware of this and thus ended up reviewing the history and literature of vit B12 supplementation.
Vit B12 was discovered when malnourished dogs were found to be anemic (low blood volume). This anemia seemed to be resolved by feeding the dogs food containing liver. After much experimentation, Vit B12 was purified from liver juice. Indeed, Vitamin B12 which plays role in folate (Vit B9) generation. Lacking folate could contribute to pernicious anemia.
Since Vit B12 mostly contained in animal product but little in vegetables, complete vegans are at risk for poor vitamin B12 intake. Vegans who still take dairy products are usually not at risk for Vit B12 deficiency. Similarly, alcoholics, and people with little dietary variation (such as some older adults) may be vit B12 deficient. Vitamin B12 supplementation in healthy adults and in those with vitamin B12 deficiency is well-tolerated without significant adverse effects.
To test for vit B12 deficiency is very simple. Your doctor could order CBC (complete blood count) including a subtest called MCV (measure the size of red cells). If the red blood cells are larger than normal and your hemoglobin (red blood cell) level is low, then you may have a type of anemia that may benefit from vit B12 and folate supplementation. There are blood tests that could also test vit B12 directly.
My recommendation is to have large variety of diet as recommended by USDA. Following this diet recommendation, you risk of vitamin deficiency is minimal.
Reference:
Uptodate. Vitamin supplementation. November 2012.
Vit B12 was discovered when malnourished dogs were found to be anemic (low blood volume). This anemia seemed to be resolved by feeding the dogs food containing liver. After much experimentation, Vit B12 was purified from liver juice. Indeed, Vitamin B12 which plays role in folate (Vit B9) generation. Lacking folate could contribute to pernicious anemia.
Since Vit B12 mostly contained in animal product but little in vegetables, complete vegans are at risk for poor vitamin B12 intake. Vegans who still take dairy products are usually not at risk for Vit B12 deficiency. Similarly, alcoholics, and people with little dietary variation (such as some older adults) may be vit B12 deficient. Vitamin B12 supplementation in healthy adults and in those with vitamin B12 deficiency is well-tolerated without significant adverse effects.
To test for vit B12 deficiency is very simple. Your doctor could order CBC (complete blood count) including a subtest called MCV (measure the size of red cells). If the red blood cells are larger than normal and your hemoglobin (red blood cell) level is low, then you may have a type of anemia that may benefit from vit B12 and folate supplementation. There are blood tests that could also test vit B12 directly.
My recommendation is to have large variety of diet as recommended by USDA. Following this diet recommendation, you risk of vitamin deficiency is minimal.
Reference:
Uptodate. Vitamin supplementation. November 2012.
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