Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is part of a group of eight vitamins known as B complex. Your body uses B-12 to manufacture healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. B-12 supplements are beneficial if your diet lacks B-12, or if you have trouble absorbing B-12 from food. Sublingual B-12 supplements may have an advantage over oral B-12 vitamins under certain circumstances. Consult your doctor before taking B-12.
Significance
B-12 deficiency can cause low red blood cells, known as anemia. Pernicious anemia is when an abnormal immune response causes antibodies to attack intrinsic factor -- a protein needed for B-12 absorption. This prevents your body from absorbing B-12 from your diet. B-12 deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia, which is when large, immature red blood cells are released form your bone marrow early in effort to compensate for low levels.
Oral Vitamin vs Sublingual
Oral vitamin B-12 is absorbed through your gastrointestinal system. Sublingual B-12 is absorbed through the blood vessels under your tongue, bypassing your gastric system. It is commonly thought that sublingual B-12 provides better absorption than oral B-12 supplements. However, according to a study published in the December 2003 issue of the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology," both oral B-12 and sublingual B-12 taken at 500 mcg daily for one month significantly increased serum B-12 levels. Keep in mind the study used healthy individuals with no absorption problems.
Special Considerations
There are circumstances where sublingual B-12 may be beneficial. Sublingual B-12 may provide a better absorption option if you have malabsorption conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, or if you lack intrinsic factor, which is required for gastric B-12 absorption. B-12 metabolism is a complex process, so a malabsorption condition can prevent enough B-12 from being absorbed from oral vitamins.
Precautions
B-12 supplements can help you maintain optimal B-12 levels, however there are precautions for you to know. B vitamins are best taken together in B complex form. High doses of B-12 taken alone can decrease the levels of other B vitamins. B-12 supplements may decrease the absorption or effectiveness of antibiotic medications. Tell your doctor if you are currently prescribed medication. Take B-12 supplements only after talking to your doctor.
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