Lets Talk About B12

There have been many things written about B12 and it may not always be easy to understand, as there are conflicting views out there. Is it necessary to take B12 or not? Do vegans really have to worry about B12? As I share this information, I want you to know this is my story, and I would not want it used to diagnose another person’s similar symptoms. Should you have these type problems, it is always good to see your physician before taking any over the counter medication.

I would like to tell you a little bit about Vitamin B12, if you are not familiar with this vitamin. It was discovered as a cure to a condition known as pernicious anemia, which is directly related to a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is an autoimmune disorder. You need B12 to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry out this function. This can make you feel weak and tired, lightheaded, pale skin, sore, red tongue or bleeding gums feel sick to your stomach and lose weight, diarrhea, or constipation.

What causes vitamin B12 deficiency anemia? This disorder destroys cells in the stomach that actually secrete the intrinsic factor that helps us absorb B12. We usually get our B12 from the foods we eat such as eggs, milk, and cheese. If you do not have the intrinsic factor, B12 cannot be absorbed into the body causing a multiple of symptoms and can lead to death.

Lack of B12 can happen to anyone and especially for a non-meat eater such as me. However, I did used to eat meat and still found I was walking around with this problem. Many people do not know they are on the low end of norm, and they are experiencing symptoms contributed from low B12. While our body does store b12, levels may change due to diet or lacking the intrinsic factor to help absorb the B12. When a child’s diet is poor, they are more at risk for low B12.

In my early twenties, I was diagnosed with low B12, and was told I should take a supplement. I did for a while, felt better, and then I let it go by the wayside when I felt better. Even though at times I did not feel like I should, I never contributed it to low B12. Call it being young and immature with a selective memory of what I should and should not do. I just did not think it was that big of deal.

I have always had good teeth and went to the dentist regularly. One day I find out in my early thirties I have a gum disease called Gingivitis. Are you kidding? I hardly have more than three cavities in my mouth. The dentist explained some people are prone to bad gums…did the years of being low in B12 cause this? I have found out more recently this is very possible. Who would have thought?

About three years ago, I decided to become a vegan…not a 100 percent but very close. I read all I could on the subject and due to a multiple of health problems seeping up on me like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol; I knew I needed to make a change fast. I jumped into being a Raw Vegan. It worked I lost tons of weight, no longer a diabetic, no hypertension, and my cholesterol is normal. I cannot say enough about that. There was one concern lurking in my mind. I somehow remembered the time in my early twenties the diagnosis I was given.

I read where many vegans have to take a supplement such as B12 found in meat products. This is where the conflict begins. I also read that we store up to three years’ worth of B12 in our bodies. Well I am sure I have enough stored. Therefore, I will just wait. I did not take a supplement of B12, I thought I would wait and see how I feel. I must have had a low level to start because I began to have symptoms of muscle weakness, depression, tiredness, and aches in my legs within the end of my first year becoming Vegan. We were on a trip and I remember feeling so tired and weak. I could hardly walk up and down the stairs to our Hotel room. I remember telling my husband I think my B12 is low. This was just a guess on my part, only because of my past, and I knew I was a vegan. Once we got home, I began to take B12 liquid and within a few days, all my symptoms were gone.

Like many other things concerning my health that I have let go by the wayside in the past, I once more have neglected taking my B12. Recently I found myself once more having the symptoms coming upon me again... As I said before I am horrible at taking any medications. This time my back is affected. I had pulled it a few months ago and it took forever to heal. It finally did get better but there was this lingering ache in the middle of my back that I had never had before. The muscle aches began in my arms and then my legs, especially at night. Sometimes I felt like an old woman walking around. I just did not have the energy I think I should have had. This time I realized that I had not taken my B12 in how long? I pulled it out of the cabinet and began taking it once more. Well what do you know? I begam tp have energy, my legs stopped hurting at night, and my back no longer has that nagging muscle pain. That little cloud of sadness that tried to attach itself to me has disappeared. B12 is truly my miracle cure.

I can assure you this is not a promotion for selling B12 and there will not be a link at the bottom where to buy some B12. After years of toying with this, I wanted to share this with you, as there are many walking around thinking, “what is the world is wrong with me.” To think a simple solution is possible and may be the answer. I am fifty-one and just found out about B12 three years ago, not counting the time in my twenties when I did not pay attention. It is worth looking into and if it makes you feel better then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I still consider myself a vegan except I do love eating the eggs from my chickens, which does contain B12. I have decided that I cannot go without this vitamin B12. I do not know if I will ever find out if I am one of those with low levels, as with the insurance these days, the Doctors have to go by what your insurance will allow them to bill. Unless I am severely sick, I guess I will never really know.

Just a side note, I went to three doctors about my back; they all said it was muscle and prescribed muscle relaxers and Motrin. Not one Dr. mentioned the possibility of a B12 deficiency. I mentioned it to the third Doctor who was the one who said to start taking the supplement and it if helps. If you have a good insurance that will let your Doctor randomly take a blood test, then it may be worth looking into.

As I close, I am curious if any one suffers with low B12, has had the symptoms, and possibly been cured of some of these symptoms by taking the supplement b12.

I hope this hub has shed some light on the vitamin b12.

Here’s to our health,

Sunnie

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