DESCRIPTION

Vegans and vegetarians are likely to be short of cobalamin because it is available in meat products and is not normally found in vegetables.

Cobalamin was the last true vitamin to be classified.

BENEFITS

Cobalamin maintains a healthy nervous system. It promotes growth in children. It is needed for production of red blood cells.

Cobalamin maintains the protective "myelin sheath" around the nerves.

Cobalamin is used to metabolize fatty acids.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Pernicious anemia, i.e., a shortfall of red blood cells. Note: if enough folic acid is taken, the symptoms of pernicious anemia are hidden until irreversible neurological damage is done.

Menstrual problems

Listlessness

Tremors

SAFETY

Cobalamin is a very safe vitamin, with injections of 3mg daily carried out with no side effects.

REQUIREMENTS (RNI)

THE RNI VALUES (COMA 1991) FOR COBALAMIN

WHO MAY NEED TO SUPPLEMENT

Vegans and vegetarians

Alcoholics

Pregnant women

The elderly

Smokers

People who take medicines for stomach ulcers and similar conditions

THERAPEUTIC USES

People suffering from moodiness and paranoia respond positively to cobalamin. It can provide relief from symptoms such as mental fatigue and memory impairment. Cobalamin detoxifies chemicals in tobacco smoke.

BEST FOOD SOURCES

INTERACTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

Cobalamin is part of the B-Complex and therefore works best synergistically. However, single supplementation of cobalamin is safe for specific nutritional therapy. Calcium is required to absorb cobalamin from the bowel.