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@ lowcarbdoctor
2023-09-17 13:39:31While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
B Vitamins Consider methylation defects. Methylation is a biochemical reaction where CH3 is transferred from one substance to another. Methylation is important for hormone metabolism, cardiovascular risk, cancer risk, cognitive function, neurotransmitter production, and bone health. Methylation can involve 100s of biochemical reactions in the body. Consider conversion of food to ATP (energy production), oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial function, DNA production, genetic expression, neurotransmitter production, detoxification, and blood vessel health.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Iron absorption, prevents oxidative stress, prevents cataracts, lowers homocysteine levels, supports methylation, decreases blood pressure, improved energy during exercise, improves migraines. Sources of riboflavin include: Eggs, organ meats, lean meats, milks, some vegetables, fortified grains. Notable factors: Losing weight increases need for riboflavin by 60%. 20 to 50 minutes of cardio exercise 6 days a week increases need for riboflavin by 60%.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxamine) Converts, amino acids into neurotransmitters balances the number of amino acids, converts amino acids and glucose, helps release stored carbohydrate, helps to produce hemoglobin, regulates homocysteine levels, decreases levels of circulating histamine, helps present excessive levels of oxalates. Sources of B6 include: Fish, beef liver, organ meats, potatoes, starchy vegetables, some non-citrus fruit.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Niacin is also known as nicotinic acid, nicotinamide. Tissues in the body convert niacin into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD and NADP are required in metabolic redox processes in which cells are oxidized or reduced. This can involve potential energy transfer in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to form ATP. NAD is required for gene expression, cellular communication, and cellular function. NADP is also important in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. Signs of deficiency might include: Indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, glossitis, vomiting, poor circulation, and depression. Severe deficiency can cause pellagra. Pellagra is characterized by: Cracked scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea. Dietary sources: Beets, Brewer’s yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, fish, sunflower seeds, peanuts
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and synthesize DNA. It is important in functioning nerve cells. Lab work often does not reflect clinical level of deficiency accurately. Vague symptoms of deficiency can include: Anxiety, nausea, headaches, paresthesia, memory deficit, depression, weight loss, sore mouth, and fatigue. Medications that contribute to low vitamin B12 level: Metformin, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and oral contraceptives. Sources of vitamin B-12 in diet: Animal food products, fortified foods, and supplements. Normal vitamin B12 level greater than 550 Deficient vitamin B12 level less than 550 Effective vitamin B12 level 4 elderly greater than 1000 Diagnoses associated with low vitamin B12 level: Pernicious anemia, alcohol use disorder, gastritis, dementia, neuropathy, vegan diet, post gastric bypass surgery, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease. Vitamin B12 injections: 1 mg, often given monthly. *Evidence suggests that 1 mg can be given daily for severe conditions such as: Pernicious anemia and dementia Vitamin B12 oral dosage 500 mcg daily.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Deficiency can cause weight loss, anorexia, confusion, muscle weakness, and cardiomegaly. Beriberi is characterized by peripheral neuropathy and wasting with congestive heart failure. Developing countries can experience this condition due to poor nutrition. Alcoholism can cause Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome. This involves neuropathy that can progress to psychosis, disorientation. Sources include: Whole grains, meat, fish
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency can cause thinning hair, hair loss, red rash, conjunctivitis, seizures, skin infection, brittle nails, depression, hallucinations, neuropathy, and developmental delay. Sources include: Beef liver, eggs, salmon, avocados, pork, sweet potato, nuts, seeds.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) Folic acid functions as a coenzyme in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. This is important in the metabolism of amino acids. Also, folic acid assists in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. **Deficiency can cause anemia, weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, palpitations, shortness of breath. Also, deficiency can cause changes in the tongue, oral mucosa, hair, skin, and gastrointestinal symptoms. *** Women with insufficient folate intake or increased risk for giving birth to infants with neural tube defects. *** Recommend 400-800 mcg daily folic acid. People who drink alcohol commonly have low folic acid levels. People that have the MTHFR genetic change can have elevated homocysteine levels if they do not have proper folic acid intake. Sources include dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy, meat, grains.
Vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid) Pantothenic acid is a precursor in the synthesis of CoA. CoA has a role in 100s of biochemical reactions that affects cell growth, metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Sources include: Eggs, milk, vegetables, beef, whole grains.
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.