BY NANCY REBELLATO
Few people are aware of the necessity and benefits of vitamin
B12.  For example, did you know that vitamin B12 is
essential for energy and health and is a natural way to prevent
the flu?
B12 increases energy by stimulating the use of protein, fats,
and carbohydrates and is required for the synthesis of DNA and
RNA.
B12 helps iron to function and is essential for healthy
nerves.  Vitamin B12 injections can even be helpful in
preventing the flu by boosting your body's own immune system
and helping it to work better.
Vitamin B12 is required for good digestion and for the
absorption of nutrients from your food. 
In people who have acid reflux, Crohn's, Colitis, IBS, and
other digestive disorders, B12 is often deficient and B12
injections are usually required.
Symptoms of mild deficiency include fatigue, insomnia, restless
legs, sore tongue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and
bloating.  It is important to note that a mild B12
deficiency will not show up on a routine blood test.
Severe deficiency leads to pernicious anemia, which eventually
results in irreversible nerve damage and death.  In this
case, B12 injections are critical.
Foods that contain vitamin B12 include red meat, liver, milk,
eggs, yogurt, crab, oysters, and oily fish such as trout and
mackerel.  It is also important to note that folic acid
should always be used with B12 to prevent the masking of a
folic acid deficiency.
If you think you would benefit from vitamin B12 or would like
more information, ask your naturopathic doctor.
Nancy Rebellato is a doctor of naturopathic medicine at Rebellato Health Centre, 346 Regent St., Sudbury. Phone 673-7997 for more information.
