Vitamin B12 and Your Brain

Vitamin B12 and
 Your Brain

Arlene R. Taylor PhD

“I’m struggling with a fuzzy memory,” Jessie told the doctor. “At times I feel confused, can’t recall details well, and fear I’m heading down the path toward dementia!”

“You may be experiencing low levels of Vitamin B12 or cobalamin,” the physician replied. “A number of symptoms are associated with lover-than-desirable levels.”

Sure enough, a simple blood test showed that Jessie’s levels of B12 were low. Not even a real deficiency according to published ranges, mind you. Just low levels within the normal range. But low enough for Jessie to have produced symptoms of confusion and memory delays. Serious B12 deficiencies, on the other hand, have been associated with everything from severe damage to the brain and nervous system to symptoms of mania and psychosis.

The next thing Jessie wanted to know was
whether one could take too much B12.

“There is good news,” said the doctor,

“Vitamin B12 has extremely low toxicity and

even taking it in enormous doses appears

not to be harmful to healthy individuals.”

This water soluble vitamin is vitally important to the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. That’s likely one reason that, along with vitamin B6, it is

referred to as the brain vitamin. Of course, it plays a key role in other bodily functions, too. In the formation of blood, in the metabolism of every cell, and in the synthesis of DNA and fatty acids. Vitamin B12 is touted to be the largest and most structurally complicated vitamin currently known.

Recent studies have shown that up to 40% of the population may have B12 levels that range from low to shockingly low. Perhaps even more frightening, a B12 deficiency can contribute to brain shrinkage, a condition associated with decreased

brain function. According to a University of Oxford study, research is linking B12

deficiency with, among other negative consequences, Alzheimer’s disease. The Oxford

two-year randomized clinical trial is the largest to study the effect of B vitamins on

mild cognitive impairment, and one of the first disease-modifying trials in the

Alzheimer’s field to show positive results in humans.

Simple, you say. Just up your intake of Vitamin B12. Turns out that this may not be a

simple as you may think. For example, some individuals have been taking B12 in a

commonly available form known as cyanocobalamin. Ouch! It’s a derivative of

cyanide (think Agatha Christie murders).

According to Wikipedia, in the body this common synthetic form of cyanocobalamin is

converted to the physiological forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalmin, leaving

behind cyanide. Yes, you read it correctly. A small concentration of cyanide, but

cyanide nonetheless. Check the ingredient list for cyanocobalamin. If you see it listed,

you may want to run—not walk—the other way. What are manufacturers thinking? No

doubt that it is 100 times cheaper than the more desirable form: methylcobalamin.

So what can you do? If you eat meats and yogurt, they can be sources, although due

to common intestinal ailments many are unable to absorb vitamin B12 from their

intestines. Patches that deliver B12 are available; as are injections of B12, but few

people really want to go that route long term. B12 can be found in some fortified

cereals, as well.

Personally, as a vegetarian, I take delta-E every day. It contains the

methylcobalamin form of B12. Do you think I have time and energy to think about

cyanide? Not hardly! And since one of the ways in which B12 is absorbed is

sublingual, I’m doing more “sipping” these days than gulping.

Selected References

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7595423.stm

http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/content/folic-acid-b6-b12-slows-memory-decline

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12/

To order: Amazon http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI or call 888-891-1212

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How Important is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins needed for the body and brain.  It is an essential vitamin to the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your body’s tissues. The vitamin is also needed to help with concentration, memory, mood and energy.

Most people do not have enough vitamin B12 in their body.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. A mild deficiency may cause only mild, if any, symptoms. But as the anemia worsens it may causes symptoms such as:

• weakness, tiredness or light-headedness  
• rapid heartbeat and breathing
• pale skin
• sore tongue
•  easy bruising or bleeding, including bleeding gums
• stomach upset and weight loss
• diarrhea or constipation

If the deficiency is not corrected, it can damage the nerve cells. If this happens, vitamin B12 deficiency effects may include:

• tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
• difficulty walking
• mood changes or depression
• memory loss, disorientation, and dementia

B12 deficiency in infants, if not detected and treated, can lead to severe and permanent damage to the nervous system. (WebMD #1)

Cyanocobalamin vs Methylcobalamin

There are two main commonly used vitamin B12 forms;  Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. The differences between the two are huge and one should be avoided at all cost.

Cyanocobalamin the most popular form of B12 on the market found in processed food, supplements, multi-vitamins, and pharmaceutical drugs. It is one of the cheapest forms of B12 made synthetically with a cyanide molecule (Cyanide – the poison). Research has found that after taking Cyanocobalamin it leaves trace amounts of cyanide in the body and the only way to remove it is to detox the body.

Products with Cyanocobalamin B12:

·         Red Bull, Rosckstar, 5-hour Energy and most Energy drinks

 

·         Centrum Multivitamins, GNC Multivitamins, and most multivitamins

 

WARNING!: Please check all the labels of your supplements with Vitamin B12 right now. If any of them contain Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin throw them out now!

As Wikipedia explains: "A common synthetic form of the vitamin, cyanocobalamin, does not occur in nature, but is used in many pharmaceuticals and supplements, and as a food additive, because of its lower cost. In the body it is converted to the physiological forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, leaving behind the cyanide..." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12)

Meaning that taking the cyanocobalamin version of B12 could be doing more harm than good in your body. Now it will not kill you in moderation but you are slowly poisoning yourself, which can lead to possible future health problems.

Methylcobalamin is the best choice for vitamin B12 for your body. This form is natural and found in nature not designed in a science lab. When you consume the natural forms of any vitamin, your body has a much easier time processing it correctly.

There are a few ways that you can get the methylcobalamin version of B12; injections from the doctor’s office (make sure to ask for the methylcobalamin version of B12, some doctor’s give the cyanocobalamin for cost reasons), patches, pills, or drinks.

Please make sure to purchase the methylcobalamin B12 in any of the forms.

 

Patches: Healthy Habits B-12 Energy Patch. You place them behind your ear.

 

Dissolvable tablets: Source Naturals MethylCobalamin Vitamin B-12 they dissolve under the tongue.

Powder mix: Delta-E contains methylcobalamin B12 along with L-Theanine, which is great for the brain, talked about in the blog ‘No Rain on the Brain’. Delta-E can be found on http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI

Sources

WebMD #1 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes

WebMD #2 http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-15239

WebMD #3 http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview


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I Don't Approve of Energy Drinks

I’m not a big fan of energy drinks. As a nutrition consultant, for the sake of my clients, I have sometimes wished that energy drinks did not exist. Here are the reasons why:





1 Danger of Caffeine Overdose and Addiction 

The average energy drink contains nearly 4 times the amount of caffeine found in commercial soda beverages. Several of the more popular brands contain the caffeine equivalent of 14 Cokes. A 6-ounce cup of coffee has 80-150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, but the caffeine content of energy drinks ranges from 50-500+ mg. One popular energy drink “shot” tops out at 570mg, giving you the equivalent of about three and a half cups of coffee with a single sip!

Why should this concern you? Because caffeine forces your adrenal glands to secrete enormous amounts of adrenaline and “energy” hormones, even when those glands are depleted. The result is a growing tolerance to the effects of caffeine, and eventual burn-out and severe adrenal depletion. This is accompanied by a feeling of increasing tiredness and a need for higher and higher amounts of caffeine to achieve an energy boost. Attempts at quitting the addiction can result in withdrawal symptoms such as severe headaches and complete loss of mental focus and function.

In addition, by inhibiting the activity of the vitamin folate, B12 and B6, high levels of caffeine may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate two significant cardiovascular disease risk factors: homocysteine and
cholesterol. By causing blood vessel constriction and increased risk of blood clots, the caffeine content in
some energy drinks can literally be deadly for someone with high stress levels or high blood pressure.

Finally, high levels of caffeine consumption have been associated with increased risk of stroke and arthritis, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain, and neurological symptoms!

2 Overdosing on Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

One can of a typical energy drink contains the equivalent of nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar! This amount of sugar causes your sensitive pancreas to generate a literal flood of insulin in an attempt to manage all the extra glucose (sugar) that ends up in the bloodstream. Some of this sugar may be used by the muscles, but usually only if you are exercising quite frequently. The remainder of the sugar is converted into fat by the liver. In addition, the body releases both epinephrine and cortisol from your adrenal glands (as if they weren’t already stressed enough from the caffeine!).

The result is a quick swing in energy, followed by a subsequent crash, a severely compromised immune
system, a surge of cell-damaging “free radicals,” thickened blood and an eventual insensitivity to insulin. This is also known as Type II Diabetes. And you thought sugar was bad for just your teeth!


But what about artificial sweeteners? Don’t they eliminate this problem? Unfortunately, research has shown that there is still a release of gastric hormones when you consume an artificial sweetener. This sends your brain a confusing message: that food is present, but that the food has no “substance” or “calories.” As a result, you develop an appetite craving typically 30-60 minutes after consuming an artificially sweetened beverage.

In addition, these artificially sweetened chemicals (yes, chemicals!) such as aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium, and sugar alcohols have been linked to upset stomachs, mood
swings, birth defects, cancer, diabetes, emotional disorders, epilepsy, seizures, a variety of neurological disorders and even obesity!


3 Excessive Acids 


Finally, carbonic acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid in popular carbonated energy drinks can dissolve
tooth enamel (causing tooth rot and yellow teeth), raise the risk of stomach damage and ulcers, cause bone
breakdown, osteoporosis, and bone fractures, and upset the fragile “acidalkaline” balance in the human body.

And that is why I am not a fan of energy drinks. 

But two years ago, a friend gave me a packet of powder called “delta-E.” Of course, I immediately took note of the fact that it was not in carbonated and acidic soda form. It was an effervescent powder that I could mix with pure, natural water!

Upon an inspection of the label, however, I noted that it only contained 75mg of caffeine—the equivalent of just one-half cup of coffee. Sure, it wouldn’t destroy my adrenal glands, but how could this possibly enhance my energy levels?


And with no processed sugar and artificial sweeteners, would I even be able to stomach the taste?

Despite my doubts, I emptied the little pink packet into a bottle of water. After a surprisingly delicious, fruity swig, I anticipated the same feeling that I had previously experienced with commercial energy drinks—jitteriness, lack of focus, a short-lived high, then a massive slump in energy levels and enormous stimulation of appetite.

My expectations were wrong. For the next 4 hours, I had a laser focus, a positive mood, and completely enhanced energy levels—without the jitters!

Upon researching this unique feeling, I discovered that it was due to the presence of pure LTheanine in  delta-E.It had actually crossed my blood-brain barrier and caused a release of mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin, without destroying my adrenal glands in the process!


With a full spectrum of immunesystem enhancing vitamin C, cellular metabolism-boosting vitamin B12, the muscle-exciting amino acid taurine and a delicious pomegranate juice extract as a natural sweetener, I was suddenly finding my paradigm challenged—was there actually such a thing as a“healthy” energy drink? Absolutely!

Using delta-E Really Helps Me!

For the past two years, I have used delta-E to achieve that same welcome feeling over and over again. There has been no “tolerance build-up,” afternoon energy slump, or compromised immune system. Perhaps even more impressively, I doubled up on delta-E prior to intense competition in the Ironman triathlon and experienced the greatest athletic success of my life!

As a nutrition consultant and personal trainer, I have utilized delta-E to “wean” clients from caffeine addictions, enhance sleep levels and assist with insomnia. I also use it for inspiration and energy to help
me complete a fat-burning workout after a long day of work and to boost my immune system prior to airplane travel.

And I must say, I’m still not a fan of energy drinks—but delta-E is not an energy drink.

It was not formulated to be a sleep substitute, to satisfy a caffeine addiction, or to fuel late-night partying.


Just like all the IMPaX products, it was formulated from the perspective of complete mental and physical health. Because of that, delta-E is unique and stands above the crowd of typical energy alternatives.

Try it. I think you’ll agree.


Ben Greenfield
M.S. in Exercise Science, Certified Sports Nutritionist, 2008 Personal Trainer of the Year
Article found at http://www.justinabramson.impaxworld.com/friends/index.aspx

For more information
delta-E - http://www.justinabramson.impaxworld.com/products/delta-E.aspx



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L-Theanine "No Rain on My Brain" ©Arlene R. Taylor PhD

No Rain on My Brain

Recently I was chatting with a friend of mine by cell-phone. Our topic of discussion was the new product from IMPaX World Inc known as delta-E. Steve wanted to know two things: “Are you using delta-E personally?” And “Is it just another energy drink like so many on the market today?”

My response was, “I take delta-E every day.” As Gary W. Arendash, PhD, Research Professor at Florida Alzheimer’s Research Center, put it: In order to optimize brain function over your lifespan, high amounts of brain nutrients are required from both food and supplements.

“Second, I don’t consider delta-E an energy drink. There’s a huge difference between doing something to strengthen your brain function as compared to a taking a stimulant that simply binds to receptor molecules in the brain and makes the person think he/she has more energy. Most energy drinks, so-called, trigger a high followed by a low. This roller-coaster effect does nothing to improve brain function and may result in negative outcomes for some in the long-term.”

Our conversation reminded me of college days when some of my classmates routinely downed No Dose tablets in an effort to stay up all night cramming for exams and/or to avoid falling asleep during the actual test. They may have been “awake,” but many of them would crash like clockwork at the end of test week in absolute exhaustion. On top of that, a goodly number of them would come down with a cold or other illness that negatively impacted their school break.

And it isn’t just college kids. Many people take a variety of stimulants in an effort to help them keep going or to enhance their alertness. Unfortunately, many stimulants tend to suppress theta and alpha brain waves (an increase in alpha brain waves is considered an index of relaxation) while promoting beta waves. According to some sources, this can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depressed immune system function—not exactly what they were going for in the first place.

I understand their motivation—keeping the brain working optimally is not only desirable but also critical, especially as the brain ages and gradually loses energy. There is a better way. Enter L-theanine, a neurologically-active non-protein amino acid found in green-tea leaves. L-theanine is quite a player!

Studies and anecdotal observations have shown that L-theanine may:

· Reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Human studies with volunteers have demonstrated this calming effect within 30-40 minutes after ingestion, if not sooner.

· Promote a sense of well-being and confidence by increasing levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and serotonin, a transmitter associated with avoiding depression.

· Heighten mental acuity by producing an increase in alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Alpha brain waves are also associated with an increase in mental focus and creativity, as well as improved concentration—without causing drowsiness—which can lead to improved learning ability and memory functions.

· Strengthen nervous-system function through stimulating the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This protein not only increases growth of neuron dendrites but also is needed by cholinergic brain cells that use acetylcholine for signaling and retaining alertness.

So what’s the problem? L-theanine makes up only 1-2% of the dry weight of green-tea leaves. In the past that meant people needed to drink a great deal of green tea in order to realize the benefits from L-Theanine. In the process, they risked side-effects that often accompany the over-consumption of caffeine.

No longer! Working with scientists and specialists around the world, Greg and Brenda Im have developed a unique extraction process for L-theanine. And IMPaX World’s synergistic delta-E formula contains only 75 mg of specially prepared caffeine, about the amount usually found in half a cup of regular coffee. That’s good news!

“Nothing for the immune system?” asked Steve. “When you talk about the brain you usually mention the immune system, too.”

“There’s good news there, too,” I replied. “Generally what is beneficial for the brain tends to strengthen the immune system, as well. L-theanine has shown some antibacterial-like activity against disease-causing organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.”

And there may be more good news on the horizon. Current areas of ongoing research with L-theanine include it use:

•  As an alternative to Ritalin

•  In the treatment of PMS

•  For mood alteration in depression

Anecdotal reports indicate some success in these areas, as well as in helping individuals who are showing signs of dementia to think more clearly. “Oh, I get it,” said Steve. “No rain in my brain!” I laughed out loud. But he was on the right track. The “green stuff” plus the “pink stuff” equals no rain in my brain.I have ever only endorsed two products. EnerPrime—with its green superfoods and salad of micronutrients—which has been part of my daily brain-friendly lifestyle for several years. And now delta-E. And, unlike the majority of amino acids, delta-E may be taken at any time, with or without food. That is a real boon when I’m traveling!These two nutritional products are part of my daily intake and go with me wherever I travel in the world. I believe they are helping me move toward my goal of living to be 120 years of age with good mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual function.

You may want to make them part of your brain-friendly lifestyle, too.

No rain in my brain . . .                    

For more information

delta-E - http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI

EnerPrime Powder http://amzn.com/B00H6CL94G  
EnerPrime Capsules http://amzn.com/B00H7LVWIY

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