NUTRITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Vitamin B-12 is involved in the metabolism of protein, lipids and carbohydrates. It is essential for normal functioning of all cells, particularly bone marrow, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Vitamin B-12 deficiencies cause scaliness of eyebrows and corners of the ears, dandruff, neuritis, weakness and loss of muscle tone, degeneration of neural tissue and myelin sheath, inadequate acid production, sore tongue, back pains, tingling of extremities, apathy, ataxia, shingles, hypoglycemia, faulty sodium-potassium balance, possible multiple sclerosis and posterior lateral sclerosis.

There have been a few cases of a genetic disorder showing a biochemical conversion of CBL (cobalamin) to its active coenzyme forms, and it is called "cobalamin E disease." This causes anemia, homocystinuria, egaloblastic macrocytic anemia, methylmalonic aciduria, and central nervous system neuropathy. This defect can be corrected with folic acid and Vitamin B-12.

Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid together help with Crohn's Disease, colitis and ulcers or any inflammation of the bowel and small intestine.

Folic Acid is essential for DNA, RNA, cell and blood formation and amino acid synthesis. It also contributes to the successful treatment of certain anemias. It is important for utilization of sugars, maintaining epithelial cells and mucosal cells and building antibodies.

Deficiencies in Folic Acid cause megaloblastic anemia if Vitamin B-12 is absent. Other symptoms associated with Folic Acid deficiencies are miscarriages, slow growth, nausea, lack of appetite, atrophy of muscle tissue, reduced immunity, dizziness, paleness, reduced protein metabolism and red blood cell formation, diarrhea, menstrual problems and stomach ulcers. Skin pigmentation and blemishes can also occur with low Folic Acid. Babies may encounter retardation, birth defects and cleft palates if the deficiency is severe in the mother.