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Description
"""Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, works with folic acid to produce cobalamin. Vitamin B12 also keeps your central nervous system healthy. The only natural sources of Vitamin B12 are animal products.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Meat,Milk products,Eggs, cheese, Chicken,and Fish
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a type of anemia with fewer but larger red blood cells called pernicious anemia. It can also cause walking and balance problems, sore tongue, weakness, confusion and, in advanced cases, dementia. Vegetarians who eliminate all animal sources from their diet (also known as vegans) may benefit from taking a vitamin B12 supplement. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take vitamin B12 in doses greater than the RDA for pregnant (2.6 micrograms/day) or breastfeeding women (2.8 micrograms/day). Some people who have problems with absorption or have had bowel surgery may need injections of Vitamins B12 to prevent deficiency because their bodies can't absorb oral supplements properly. People over age 50 may also need B12 supplements because the aging process diminishes the bodys ability to absorb vitamin B12 from natural food sources.
Experts are investigating the relationship between homocysteine and coronary artery disease (CAD). Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body; some people are slow to metabolize it, so that it builds up in the bloodstream. High levels of this substance are found in about one-third of patients who have CAD or who have had a stroke. Thus it has been identified as a risk factor for CAD, but scientists have not yet shown that it is an actual cause.
A number of research studies are investigating whether high levels of homocysteine damage the endothelial lining of the arteries. A new study from the Wales Heart Institute has reported that folic acid improves the lining of the arteries (endothelium) before it affects the levels of homocysteine. Many doctors advise patients to take folic acid supplements, since folic acid safely and economically reduces homocysteine levels.
Researchers studied endothelial function by measuring blood flow and dilation of the arteries. They studied the effects of folic acid in 33 patients with CAD who took the supplement for six weeks. They found that endothelial functioning improved immediately - within two hours of taking the first dose of folic acid and before there was any reduction in the homocysteine level.
They concluded that folic acid improves endothelial function in people with CAD in a way that is not related to homocysteine. Thus, while doctors may prescribe folic acid to reduce homocysteine levels, its benefits are broader in improving arterial function.*
Dietary Supplement
*Note: The FDA has not evaluated any claims made. The dietary supplement product is not intended to """"diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease""""""
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