|
Vitamin B 12 description. Vitamins (VYE-ta-mins) are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Vitamin B 12 is necessary for healthy blood. Cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are man-made forms of vitamin B 12. Some people have a medical problem called pernicious anemia in which vitamin B 12 is not absorbed from the intestine. Others may have a badly diseased intestine or have had a large part of their stomach or intestine removed, so that vitamin B 12 cannot be absorbed. These people need to receive vitamin B 12 by injection. Some conditions may increase your need for vitamin B 12. These include: Alcoholism Anemia, hemolytic Fever (continuing) Genetic disorders such as homocystinuria and/or methylmalonic aciduria Intestine diseases Infections (continuing or chronic) Kidney disease Liver disease Pancreas disease Stomach disease Stress (continuing) Thyroid disease Worm infections In addition, persons that are strict vegetarians or have macrobiotic diets may need vitamin B 12 supplements. Increased need for vitamin B 12 should be determined by your health care professional. Lack of vitamin B 12 may lead to anemia (weak blood), stomach problems, and nerve damage. Your health care professional may treat this by prescribing vitamin B 12 for you. Claims that vitamin B 12 is effective for treatment of various conditions such as aging, allergies, eye problems, slow growth, poor appetite or malnutrition, skin problems, tiredness, mental problems, sterility, thyroid disease, and nerve diseases have not been proven. Many of these treatments involve large and expensive amounts of vitamins. Injectable vitamin B 12 is given by or under the supervision of a health care professional. Some strengths of oral vitamin B 12 are available only with your health care professional's prescription. Others are available without a prescription. Some brand names: - Vibal - Vibal LA - Vitabee 12 - Vitamin B 12 |