Re: over/under methelator/all about B12

[Guest guest]

I think the issue in the " newer " interest in B12 (also called

Cyanocobalamin) is that B6, B12, and folate have a synergistic

effect when given together. The B12 working with the others is

needed for good nervous system working and myelin integrity. High

folate levels or taking high folate without B12 can create problems

in the nerves (the idea is not to try a fix a B12 problem by just

adding folate). There is lots of information by doing a search for

B12. The following is from the Vitamin Research Products site:

" For memory, some subjects improved some in memory and cognition

with: 750 mcg of folate, 15 mcg of vitamin B12, and 75 mg of vitamin

B6 daily for 35 days. "

[New Study: B Vitamins Affect Memory, www.vrp.com]

" Recently a flurry of interesting articles from the medical

newswires and lay press have focused on B vitamins--specifically

vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid. Some articles are simple

reiterations of research from the past. Methyl Caps includes vitamin

B6, B12, folic acid, and betaine (trimethylglycine). VRP was one of

the first supplement companies to recognize the damaging effects of

high levels of homocysteine, and how homocysteine could be easily

controlled by the simple nutrients found in Methyl Caps. "

[Provocative New Findings on Vitamins B6, B12 and Folic Acid

Link Discovered Between Homocysteine, Alzheimer's and Diabetes]

Here are the ingredients of Methyl Caps

Name:Methyl Caps, 180 capsules

Serving Size: 1 Capsule

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCl) 17 mg 850%

Folic Acid 267 mcg 67%

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) 17 mcg 283%

Betaine (trimethylglycine or TMG) 400 mg *

Three capsules each day of VRP's Methyl Caps provide a synergistic

mix of methyl donors which work quickly to convert homocysteine into

a harmless amino acid.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

So then I searched for what was a 'good' amount of B12 versus a

therapeutic amount. Some companies sell B12 supplements in amounts

up to 1000 mcg even though the RDA value is between 2 and 6 mcg/day

for an adult. That is quite a range!

Here is a description from NOW brand used therapeutically:

Brain B-12 - 1000 mcg Methylcobalamin - 100 Lozenges

" Vitamin B12, plays an important role in the metabolism of nerve

tissue, protein, fats and carbohydrates. It also aids in the

production of DNA/RNA and red blood cells. It also plays a role in

the health of the spinal cord. A lack of adequate levels of Vitamin

B12 may lead to pernicious anemia, lack of energy, weakness, muscle

soreness, mental and nervous disorders, poor reflexes, speaking

difficulty and nerve degeneration. Methylcobalamin is the

methylated, coenzyme form of B-12 (cobalamin) active in the brain

and central nervous system. As a dietary supplement, take one

lozenge 1 to 2 times daily by holding under the tongue until

dissolved. "

Of course there were much lower strengths of B12 too.

This was at a site called GreenCanyon.com that had lots of name

brand supplements dicounted by 20% or more.

Some other places said that those most likely to be deficient in B12

are those " Individuals with stomach and small intestinal disorders

may not absorb enough vitamin B12 from food to maintain healthy body

stores " Also, vitamin B12 can not be manufactured by any plants, and

therefore is only found in animal products. So, vegetarians may not

consume dairy products or meat which are good sources of B12, and

they need to take care not to become deficient. Older people are

also likely to become deficient. B12 is getting more recent press

because of how it might aid in Alzheimers and the aging Baby

Boomers. Fortified breakfast cereals or foods were suggested for

vegetarians or older people. There are sublingual dots you can buy

too as well as in other supplements. (one place to read quick

summaries about vitamins is www.anyvitamins.com)

However, Pfeiffer seems to be the one place that does not " read "

consistently with the others regarding folate and B12 with over-

methylation. I will call them this week and try to find out why this

is. They may have new or different information...or it may be more

complicated and the short summary on their web site is not conveying

things right.

.