Vitamin B12 Supplements
Could Vitamin B12 deficiency be causing your chronic cough?
Vitamin B12 fuels many of your body’s most important functions:
proper food digestion and absorption
immune system
nervous system function and sleep cycles
mood regulationmental clarity, concentration, memory
formation of red blood cells (needed for energy)
proper circulation
But a recent study also found vitamin B12 deficiency to be related to chronic cough. Since vitamin B12 is present in natural form only in animal sources of food such as beef, clams, salmon, chicken, pork, milk and eggs, strict vegetarians and vegans are high on the list of those who could be B12 deficient. Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, depression, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. But even non-vegetarians, especially older people and those who take antacid or diabetes medications, may not produce enough instrinsic factor to absorb B12 effectively from food. And all of us need more B12 when we are under stress.
Taking B12 supplements is a good way to make sure you are getting enough. Not all forms are equal, however. MethylCobalamin is the form that is active in the body. However many supplements consist only of CyanoCobalamin, which may not be absorbed as well by the body. Since B12 is water soluble, it is very safe to supplement and there have been no documented cases of overdose. (It is contraindicated, however, if you have the hereditary disease known as Leber's optic neuropathy.)
Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods both carry good brands of vitamin B12 supplements containing MethylCobalamin such as Now Foods Ultra B-12 liquid and Source Naturals sublingual. iHerb.com is a safe web merchant that offers low prices. You can get $5 off your first order with the coupon code OCO253.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any of your health questions or concern
Could Vitamin B12 deficiency be causing your chronic cough?
Vitamin B12 fuels many of your body’s most important functions:
proper food digestion and absorption
immune system
nervous system function and sleep cycles
mood regulationmental clarity, concentration, memory
formation of red blood cells (needed for energy)
proper circulation
But a recent study also found vitamin B12 deficiency to be related to chronic cough. Since vitamin B12 is present in natural form only in animal sources of food such as beef, clams, salmon, chicken, pork, milk and eggs, strict vegetarians and vegans are high on the list of those who could be B12 deficient. Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, depression, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue. But even non-vegetarians, especially older people and those who take antacid or diabetes medications, may not produce enough instrinsic factor to absorb B12 effectively from food. And all of us need more B12 when we are under stress.
Taking B12 supplements is a good way to make sure you are getting enough. Not all forms are equal, however. MethylCobalamin is the form that is active in the body. However many supplements consist only of CyanoCobalamin, which may not be absorbed as well by the body. Since B12 is water soluble, it is very safe to supplement and there have been no documented cases of overdose. (It is contraindicated, however, if you have the hereditary disease known as Leber's optic neuropathy.)
Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods both carry good brands of vitamin B12 supplements containing MethylCobalamin such as Now Foods Ultra B-12 liquid and Source Naturals sublingual. iHerb.com is a safe web merchant that offers low prices. You can get $5 off your first order with the coupon code OCO253.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any of your health questions or concern
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