Cobalamin is another name for vitamin B12, an essential nutrient necessary for proper metabolism and energy production. Hydroxocobalamin is a chemical compound with a similar structure to vitamin B12. Even though the human body doesn’t produce hydroxocobalamin, bacteria in the digestive tract are able to convert it into a usable form. Commercial and pharmaceutical versions of hydroxocobalamin also use bacteria to create large volumes of the compound for therapeutic purposes.
Hydroxocobalamin, partially identifiable by its red color, plays an integral part in DNA synthesis and supports cell replication. The compound also has an important role in the conversion of harmful homocysteine into beneficial methionine, an essential amino acid. It helps with energy production and is necessary for normal brain and nervous system function.
A Remedy for B12 Deficiency
Hydroxocobalamin is commonly used to address vitamin B12 deficiency. When the body’s stores of vitamin B12 are low, injections of hydroxocobalamin are often used to restore B12 levels. B12 deficiency is linked to many negative health effects http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33584, including neurologic, gastroenterologic, psychiatric, and blood disorders. There’s no question it’s one of the most important nutrients our bodies require. In one case, an individual suffering from seizures and psychotic symptoms achieved a complete recovery after B12 intervention. [1]
B12 Deficiency: Causes
Whether you’re avoiding animal products http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32129 or suffering from digestive or absorption issues, you may develop a B12 deficiency. Even meat eaters who constantly consume this essential nutrient may become deficient under certain circumstances. The most common causes of a vitamin B12 deficiency include:
Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/anemia.php is when the body doesn’t absorb B12 and in turn doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. People with this condition must regularly receive B12 supplementation. Hydroxocobalamin injection has been traditionally used against pernicious anemia based on research indicating the body more readily retains it. [2] New research has suggested oral ingestion of hydroxocobalamin (or cyanocobalamin) as an alternative option for B12 supplementation. [3]
Strict Vegetarianism/Veganism
Individuals who adhere to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31926 may not receive enough vitamin B12. The vitamin is mostly present in animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, fish, and milk. [4] This places many health-conscious vegetarians and vegans at risk, prompting supplementation as the main avenue through which the nutrient can and should be obtained. Pregnant women who are vegetarians or vegans will also need to supplement, as a deficiency can greatly impact the fetus. [5]
Digestive Malabsorption
If the stomach or small intestine experiences functional or structural damage, the body may have trouble absorbing enough vitamin B12 (and other nutrients). People who suffer from celiac disease also have difficulty digesting gluten http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33578 and absorbing nutrients. Some medical conditions can also prevent the stomach or small intestine from properly secreting intrinsic factor http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33796, the intestinal protein necessary for B12 absorption.
Harmful Organisms
Unfriendly organisms in the intestines http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=32721 can reduce the amount of B12 available for absorption. For example, tapeworms can consume large amounts of vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency in this powerful nutrient. [6] A condition like this may lead to gastric atrophy, a chronic irritation of the stomach lining. This can result in a loss of gastric cells that produce essential digestive substances necessary for the proper utilization of B12.
Benefits of Hydroxocobalamin
In addition to remedying B12 deficiency, hydroxocobalamin can provide additional benefits to the brain and body…
Remedy for Cyanide Poisoning
In 2006, hydroxocobalamin received approval for use as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin binds with cyanide molecules to form cyanocobalamin, a B12 vitamer. As a cyanide antidote, hydroxocobalamin has been deemed safe and highly effective. [7]
A Migraine Remedy
Hydroxocobalamin has been identified as a scavenger of nitric oxide, an essential muscle regulator that also acts as a free radical. Too much nitric oxide can actually cause swelling and discomfort, especially in the brain. One study found hydroxocobalamin to be effective for reducing the frequency and duration of migraineshttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/migraine.php. [8]
One Final Thought
The B vitamins are necessary for nerve function, energy production, and metabolic processes inside the body. Do not risk deficiencies of these essential nutrients! If you are experiencing symptoms related to vitamin B12 deficiency, it is pertinent that you receive testing to make sure your levels are in check. If not, supplementation may be necessary until the proper amount of B12 http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33585 has been established.
GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B-12
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/C4CuwUV0k20
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Vilibi M, Juki V, Vidovi A, Breci P. Cobalamin deficiency manifested with seizures, mood oscillations, psychotic features and reversible dementia in the absence of typical neurologic and hematologic signs and symptoms: a case report http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23697293. Coll Antropol. 2013 Mar;37(1):317-9.
2. Hall CA, Begley JA, Green-Colligan PD. The availability of therapeutic hydroxocobalamin to cells http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6692038. Blood. 1984 Feb;63(2):335-41.
3. Andrès E, Fothergill H, Mecili M. Efficacy of oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) therapy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088746. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010 Feb;11(2):249-56. doi: 10.1517/14656560903456053.
4. Watanabe F, Yabuta Y, Tanioka Y, Bito T. Biologically Active Vitamin B12 Compounds in Foods for Preventing Deficiency among Vegetarians and Elderly Subjectshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23782218. J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jul 17;61(28):6769-75. doi: 10.1021/jf401545z. Epub 2013 Jul 2.
5. Simpson JL, Bailey LB, Pietrzik K, Shane B, Holzgreve W. Micronutrients and women of reproductive potential: required dietary intake and consequences of dietary deficiency or excess http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373888. Part I–Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2010 Dec;23(12):1323-43. doi: 10.3109/14767051003678234. Epub 2010 Apr 7.
6. Vuylsteke P, Bertrand C, Verhoef GE, Vandenberghe P. Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14730392. Ann Hematol. 2004 Jul;83(7):487-8. Epub 2004 Jan 17.
7. Shepherd G, Velez LI. Role of hydroxocobalamin in acute cyanide poisoning http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18397973. Ann Pharmacother. 2008 May;42(5):661-9. doi: 10.1345/aph.1K559. Epub 2008 Apr 8.
8. van der Kuy PH, Merkus FW, Lohman JJ, ter Berg JW, Hooymans PM. Hydroxocobalamin, a nitric oxide scavenger, in the prophylaxis of migraine: an open, pilot studyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12230592. Cephalalgia. 2002 Sep;22(7):513-9.
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