Most people are familiar with the hematological effects of vitamin B12 deficiency.  The vitamin is important in the formation of new red blood cells, and its continued deficiency causes anemia, as well as an enlargement of the developing red blood cells in the bone marrow known as megaloblastic anemia.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Anemia

The autoimmune disease pernicious anemia is most often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.  In this disease the body loses the ability to make a special protein in the stomach known as intrinsic factor.  Intrinsic factor is needed to combine with incoming vitamin B12 and usher it into the body through the mucosal cells of the small intestine.

With no intrinsic factor it becomes impossible to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet into the body.  Historically, a diagnosis with pernicious anemia was like a death sentence, until it was discovered that the disease responded to eating large amounts of raw liver.

It turns out that even with no intrinsic factor, if sufficient amounts of B12 are ingested it can be absorbed non-specifically at a low rate through the whole length of the small intestine.  As long as the person produced normal amounts of hydrochloric acid to help separate vitamin B12 in food from the proteins it is complexed with, enough could be absorbed to counteract the deficiency.

Any kind of anemia can cause tiredness, as the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to provide sufficient oxygen to all the other cells for their metabolic requirements.

Vitamin B12 Sources

Neurological Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Other very serious effects of vitamin B12 deficiency are neurological.  They include problems with balance, memory loss, numbness of the legs and even dementia.  Besides intrinsic factor, other proteins like transcobalamin and haptocorrins are needed for the vitamin to be transported into our cells.

Risk Factors

A malfunction or deficiency of any of these steps will lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12.  Our modern lifestyle and eating habits can also contribute to this situation.  Taking proton pump inhibitors for stomach ulcers affects the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach, and this will lead to B12 deficiencies down the line.

Strict vegetarians are at risk as well, as vitamin B12 is manufactured by bacteria, but only taken up by animals, as plants do not use or need it at all.  Even diabetics taking metformin are at risk, as this chemical inhibits the absorption of vitamin B12.

Hyperpigmentation from B12 Deficency

In some patients a dark discoloration of the skin was observed, specifically across the knuckles and the joints of the fingers.  The same things was seen at the feet.  In some cases the hyperpigmentation was observed in the crease at the back of the neck, and in the face.

These patients consulted their doctors for what they thought was just a cosmetic problem.  Blood examinations revealed low vitamin B12 concentrations in the serum, and megaloblastic anemia.  In other words, these skin problems were a visible sign of more serious hidden deficiency symptoms.

Not all patients showed this hyperpigmentation, but when it was present it was a reliable indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency.  We all react differently to vitamin deficiencies, and it is not really known what causes some people to experience mostly the hematological effects, while others show neurological or skin effects first.

Unexplained darkening of the skin in creases and joints accompanied by tiredness would be a good reason to consult one’s doctor, keeping in mind that vitamin B12 deficiency is not the only thing that causes hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin B12 Supplements

Oral vitamin B12 supplements are available in in such high concentrations that even someone with no intrinsic factor would be able to benefit from them.  Even better, sublingual supplements are made to dissolve under the tongue and be absorbed through the mucous membranes in that area, bypassing the digestive system altogether.  B12 injections accomplish the same thing, delivering the vitamin straight into the bloodstream.

Many people ask me whether I recommend them to take vitamin B12 injections or not, after their doctor has advised to take these due to their B12 deficiency symptoms. Before we jump into the basics of vitamin B12, let us first take a look at the various benefits of this important vitamin.

Benefits of B12

• B12 helps our body to replicate DNA.
• Red blood cells formation.
• Growth of essential body tissues.
• Creation of a fatty protective substance around our nerve cells. This substance is called Myelin, and it helps our body to properly transmit the signals from the brain to the rest of the body. This is also why many of the B12 deficiency symptoms directly relate to the nervous system.
• Metabolism boosting. That’s the reason why many people link vitamin B12 injections with weight loss, although there is absolutely no direct correlation with the injection. The truth is that B12 boosts up your metabolism and make you far more likely to lose some calories and get active, so it certainly helps in some way, but you can get these benefits from any source of B12, not just injections.
• Lowers the levels of Homo cysteine in our body. This amino acid has been linked by scientists many times, for promoting a greater risk for developing heart stroke, cancer, Alzheimer, and many other modern world’s diseases and ailments.

These are just the main benefits of B12 vitamin. The good news is that it is fairly easy to get these benefits even from a plant based diet, as long as you eat your fruits and veggies unwashed, as B12 is originated in a bacteria in the soil, and when washed with water, the plant loses all of its B12 content, as it is present only on its outer exterior part.

Photo by stevendepolo

Checking for a deficiency is fairly easy. Just ask for a blood test the next time you visit your doctor. You will probably get the results within a few days, and not only will you get to know whether you are deficient in B12 or not, but also if you’re deficient with other vitamins and minerals as well.

Do You Really Need B12 Injections?

The only reason that you would need a B12 injection is if your body is unable to absorb B12 from food sources. If your deficiency is a result of any other reason, you might want to pass on these injections and go for less radical ways of treatment, such as sub lingual tablets, intra nasal sprays, intra nasal gel, and of course regular foods that are rich in vitamin B12.

These shots are rather painful, and you can get the exact same benefits of vitamin B12 from any other source, like the ones listed above. If the doctor still insists that you take these injections, ask the doctor to explain his position. Most of the time they simply go for the old school treatments, and this one is one of them, since it has been the main treatment for a deficiency among doctors for ages.

While many natural health specialists tout the benefits of using apple cider vinegar as a health cure, many are unaware of the apple cider vinegar side effects that come along with use of the compound. As a disinfectant and technique to balance the pH of the body, you may have turned to apple cider vinegar for a cure. The side effects you can expect from vinegar use, though, directly depend on how the compound is used.

On the Skin

Using apple cider vinegar on the skin is one of the most popular ways for the natural cure to be utilized in solving common health problems. Mostly, the antifungal and antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar are the components of the substance that make it perfect for skin use.  You may be using apple cider vinegar for some of the following reasons:

• Curing Acne: Be aware that the vinegar will sting any broken skin and may lead to scarring.
• Treating Athlete’s Foot or Fungal Nails: Again, any broken skin may be hurt from the acidity of the wash. Most often, apple cider vinegar is mixed with distilled water to prevent pain and stinging. The uninfected skin of the feet may dry and crack after soaking.
• Cleaning Wounds: The disinfectant properties of this vinegar make is a common folk remedy to clean wounds. Be aware of intense stinging.
• Curing Yeast Infections: Always make sure to dilute apple cider vinegar to two tablespoons to a liter to prevent burning and damage to skin. Too highly concentrated, vinegar will chemically burn any mucus membranes.

As a Hair Rinse

Many people use an apple cider vinegar mixture to rinse their hair for a number of reasons from correcting scalp pH to making hair shiny and smooth. Always be careful to keep the vinegar from getting into your eyes or nose when washing, as this could cause serious health problems. Some popular hair rinses are in response to the following health issues:

• Head Lice: The acidity of apple cider vinegar is said to kill lice eggs and adults. Be careful about using this cure with children, as they may scratch their scalps, opening wounds that may sting and scar.
• Dandruff: Flaky scalp is caused by the growth of a certain fungus, which apple cider vinegar kills. Make sure to dilute the vinegar with distilled water if you plan to use a vinegar wash.
• To Make Hair Shiny: Some claim that vinegar washes make the hair shiny. Be aware, though, that the acidity may dry some hair types.

Photo by AndyRob

For Drinking

Many turn to apple cider vinegar as a kidney and liver detoxifier, weight loss supplement, or pH balancing agent. Be aware that constant intake of apple cider vinegar over a number of years can cause dangerous drops in potassium along with increased risk of osteoporosis. Drinking the acidic mixture regularly can also wear down enamel and cause tooth browning and decay. Whenever consuming vinegar, always make sure to dilute about two tablespoons in a full glass of water to prevent damage to your esophagus and mouth. Too much concentrated vinegar in the diet might also lead to stomach ulcers.

As a Disinfectant

Many use apple cider vinegar as a disinfectant in the home, and the good news is that there are no adverse side effects to this cleaning agent. The side effects of apple cider vinegar as a kitchen cleaner are nonexistent compared to some other chemical agents. Just make sure to dilute the vinegar to prevent the burning of your hands as you clean. Another way to avoid a chemical burn is to wear gloves while cleaning.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an extremely helpful health and home remedy for a number of problems from acne to dandruff. Apple cider vinegar side effects shouldn’t be a problem either as long as the compound is used safely and securely. Always make sure to dilute the vinegar to prevent the burning of skin, and always take care to keep vinegar away from the face and eyes.

Serenoa repens (or sometimes called Sabal serrulatum ) is commonly known as saw palmetto.  An extract can be made from the berries of this palm-like plant that can be found growing in the southeastern United States. It is used in both traditional and alternative medicine to treat a number of issues. Though its most commonly used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, like the need to constantly urinate at night and a decreased urinary flow. Limited success has also been seen in using it to treat baldness when used with beta-sitosterol. While this extract from this plant is safe for most, saw palmetto side effects in men can be quite serious if not immediately tended to. Thus it is important (as with any supplement or medication) to notify your health care provider if you notice the side effects below or anything else unusual.

First, I should note that if you have decided to use saw palmetto to treat a self-diagnosed condition, make sure to consult with your medical services provider to ensure compatibility with other medications you may currently be taking. You should not begin taking this medication if you have any type of bleeding or clotting disorder, if you are allergic to saw palmetto, or if you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

Liver disease and heart disease as well as asthma or other breathing disorders, may also prevent you from using this product. This is mainly because of the effects saw palmetto could have on you when mixed with the medications that are designed to help treat these issues.

Photo by 1Sock

Possible Saw Palmetto Side Effects

A list of side effects that include nausea, a change in sexual desire, loss of appetite and insomnia should be taken seriously even though they may not be considered life threatening. It can also cause digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Many of these can be avoided if the supplement or medication is taken with food.

Bad breath, headaches and some muscle pain are also side effects you’ll want to be aware of. You may also experience some form of mild depression.

More serious side effects are fainting, coughing up blood or vomit that has the appearance of coffee grounds. If you have soreness or swelling in your testicles, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat cease taking saw palmetto and consult with your health care provider immediately. Keep a close eye out for things like unusually dark urine, clay-colored stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes. This yellowing typically indicates jaundice which is tied to liver disease.

Saw palmetto may also reduce blood clotting. While not a side effect, per se, you should be careful of any cuts. It also means that you should avoid taking it with any other supplements or medications that reduce the ability of the blood to clot. This includes over-the-counter medications like asprin and ibprofin.

You should be aware that this only a partial list of possible known side effects and new side effects are being added to this list periodically.