BEWARE OF B 12 FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCIES Lola

BEWARE OF B 12 FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCIES Lola Lurch Kaplan University August 4, 2015

OBJECTIVES Vitamin B 12 benefits and deficiencies will be explored. § Define Vitamin B 12 § Discuss the functions of Vitamin B 12 § Discuss the causes of Vitamin B 12 deficiencies § Identify the at risk populations for B 12 deficiencies § Discuss the Recommended Dietary Allowance of B 12 § Identify the best natural sources of B 12 § Determine the dosage and Safety of B 12 supplements

WHAT IS VITAMIN B 12? Vitamin B 12 is one of 13 essential vitamins that is needed for the body to function. Properties of B 12, also known as Cyanocobalamin, include: § Water Soluble (dissolves in water) § Only produced microorganisms (etc. bacteria) § Body can store in the liver § Found naturally in animal foods § Animals and plants cannot produce § Synthetically added to plant foods (fortified)

VITAMIN B 12 FUNCTIONS Vitamin B 12 is necessary for certain body function. § Development red blood cells § Maintenance of the Central Nervous System § Preserves DNA integrity § Essential roll in folate metabolism § Aids in production of neurotransmitters

SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B 12 DEFICIENCIES Deficiencies in Vitamin B 12 are evidence by certain biological and psychological conditions. § Muscle weakness § Spasticity (stiff or rigid muscles) § Hypotension (low blood pressure) § Mood disturbances § Megaloblastic anemia (larger than normal red blood cells) § Vison problems § Dementia

AT RISK POPULATIONS Some people are more susceptible to Vitamin B 12 deficiencies than others: § Older Adults § Vegans § Those infected with HIV § Those who had gastrointestinal surgery § People who have Celiac disease § People who have Crohn’s disease

HOW MUCH VITAMIN B 12 DO YOU NEED? Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B 12 Age Males (mcg/day) Females (mcg/day) Infants 0 -6 months 0. 4 (AI) Infants 7 -12 months 0. 5 (AI) Children 1 -3 years 0. 9 Children 4 -8 years 1. 2 Children 9 -13 years 1. 8 Adolescents 14 -18 years 2. 4 Adults 19 -50 years 2. 4 Adults 51 years and older 2. 4* Pregnancy all ages - 2. 6 Breast-feeding all ages - 2. 8 Life Stage

SOME FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN B 12 Food Serving Vitamin B 12 (mcg) Clams (steamed) 3 ounces 84. 1 Mussels (steamed) 3 ounces 20. 4 Mackerel (Atlantic, cooked, dry-heat) 3 ounces* 16. 1 Crab (Alaska king, steamed) 3 ounces 9. 8 Beef (lean, plate steak, cooked, grilled) 3 ounces 6. 9 Salmon (chinook, cooked, dry-heat) 3 ounces 2. 4

SOME FOOD SOURCES OF VITAMIN B 12. . CONTINUED Food Serving Vitamin B 12 (mcg) Milk (skim) 8 ounces 0. 9 Turkey (cooked, roasted) 3 ounces 0. 8 Brie (cheese) 1 ounce 0. 5 Egg (poached) 1 large 0. 4 3 ounces 0. 3 Chicken (light meat, cooked, roasted)

VITAMIN B 12 DOSAGE, SAFETY, SIDE EFFECTS Older adults and vegans may need Vitamin B 12 supplements. Caution should be exercised when taking Vitamin B 12 supplements if the following conditions exist: § § § § § Skin disorders (rash, itching, redness) Genitourinary concerns (urine discoloration) Gastrointestinal disorders Cancer Hypertension (high blood pressure) Pregnant or breastfeeding Drug interactions (with pharmaceutical and alcohol) Gout Heart concerns Blood disorders

SUMMARY § Vitamin B 12 is essential to biological and psychological body function. § Animals and plants cannot produce Vitamin B 12. § Only single-cell microorganisms (etc. bacteria) can produce Vitamin B 12. § The best natural source of Vitamin B 12 is animal products. . § The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the US Institute of Medicine has posted the recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin B 12 for each age population. § Certain populations are at increased risk for Vitamin B 12 deficiencies (older adults, vegans, HIV infected, and certain gastrointestinal disorders). § Consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking vitamin supplements.

REFERENCES Mayo Clinic. (2013). Evidence based. Retrieved from http: //www. mayoclinic. org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b 12/ evidence/hrb-20060243 Medline Plus. (2015). Vitamin B 12. Retrieved from http: //www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403. htm#top Oregon State University. (2015). Micronutrient information center: Vitamin B 12. Retrieved from http: //lpi. oregonstate. edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B 12 Weil, A. (2012). Facts about vitamin B 12. Retrieved from http: //www. drweil. com/drw/u/ART 02810/facts-about-vitaminb? _ga=1. 48364710. 1241562207. 1437006689