Description

Vitalabs Immediate Release B-12 provides an economical, high potency vitamin B12 formula. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is named after the metal ion cobalt because it contains the metal characteristics and color of the metal. Cobalamin is required for the production and growth of all the cells in our body. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal foods including meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. It's not found in any significant amounts in plant foods, which can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency in vegan diets (a vegetarian diet that also avoids dairy and eggs).

Vitamin B12 is well-known as an energy nutrient. This water soluble vitamin supports body functions that produce energy and convert the foods you eat into carbohydrates or fat. Furthermore, vitamin B12 along with B6 and folate, helps control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Homocysteine is a toxic metabolite that can damage blood vessels and increases the risk for various chronic illnesses, including heart disease, depression and Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin B12 also helps maintain healthy nerve cells, support DNA and RNA (genetic material) production and regulate red blood cells formation.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. It is often caused by low levels of intrinsic factor, a substance that helps the body absorb B12 from the digestive tract. Pernicious anemia (a blood disorder) can cause low levels of intrinsic factor. People at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include vegetarians and vegans, the elderly, alcoholics and people with high homocysteine levels, male infertility, poor diet, pancreas or bowel disorders, intestinal infections, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or Alzheimer's disease.

Taking a daily vitamin B12 supplement, such as Vitalabs Immediate Release B-12, can enhance energy levels, promote heart health, support DNA and RNA production, prevent deficiencies and maintain optimum health.

Pros

Vitalabs Immediate Release B-12 is offered in tablets that are readily dispersed and absorbed by the body. Heart disease is the number one chronic disease and killer of adults in the U.S. Supplementation with Vitalabs Immediate Release B-12 can be an important addition to the diet for helping to lower toxic homocysteine levels and prevent heart disease.

However, keep in mind that this vitamin B12 supplement is not a cure-all for individuals with heart disease. It is a dietary supplement that should be taken in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help support heart health.

Studies have found that vitamin B12 has numerous benefits including:

• Treats symptoms of pernicious anemia
• Maintains nerve cells
• Aids in DNA and RNA (genetic material) formation
• Lowers toxic homocysteine levels (high homocysteine levels increase the risk for chronic diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer's)
• Supports male fertility (increases sperm count)
• Enhances energy levels
• Supplements a vegetarian or vegan diet

Cons

The Institute of Medicine has stated that, "no adverse effects have [ever] been associated with excess vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals." Although an overdose can occur, B12 supplementation has a low incidence of toxicity. However, some side effects have been reported including:

Allergic reactions to vitamin B12 injections
Mild diarrhea
Anxieties and panic attacks
Heart palpitations
Insomnia
Breathing problems
Chest pain
Skin rash, hives, or itchy or swollen skin

Be aware that some drugs may interact with vitamin B12 including:

• Antibiotics
• Anticonvulsants
• Aspirin
• Cimetidine
• Clofibrate
• Colchicine
• Cycloserine
• Erythromycin
• Famotidine
• Fenofibrate
• Gabapentin
• Gentamicin
• Isonizid
• Lansoprazole
• Loop diuretics
• Metformin
• Methotrexate
• Methyldopa
• Neomycin
• Nitrous Oxide
• Nizatidine
• Omeprazole
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenobarbital
• Ranitidine
• Sulfamethoxazole
• Tetracycline
• Tetracycline
• Tricyclic Antidepressants
• Trimethoprim
• Valproic Acid

Is it for you?

For just a few cents a day, you can significantly contribute to your heart health by taking this high quality vitamin B12 supplement. If you're over the age of 55, or if you're a vegetarian or vegan, you may derive benefit from Vitalabs Immediate Release B-12. Also, if you're at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency due to one of the conditions mentioned above, you may find nutritional support with Immediate Release B-12.

Dosage and Directions

Take one tablet daily or use as directed by a health professional. Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.