Patricia Hausman & Judith Benn Hurley
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 But if they take in too little of these b vitamins, they, too, may develop megaloblastic anemia.
As a practical matter, however, those at highest risk for diet-induced B12 deficiency are vegetarians who eat no animal products, the only documented source of B12. Years of eating such a diet can slowly deplete the B12 bank and lead to serious health problems. But people who eat animal foods and strict vegetarians who take a B12 supplement generally do fine, as the body conserves B12 well. Unfortunately, the picture is not so rosy for folate. |
Gary Null
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 Between 25 and 50 mg of B6, may be used. Some b vitamins, such as niacin, are used in large doses much like a drug. "If there is an elevated cholesterol and triglyceride level which doesn't respond adequately to our diet," Dr. Whitaker explains, "we will use niacin at a rate of 500 to 700 mg per meal." This is strictly a therapeutic dose and should be used only in conjunction with a physician's prescribed treatment.
Vitamin C is of particular significance in maintaining the sound structure of the arterial walls since it promotes strong, healthy connective tissues. Dr. |
Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.
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 Junk foods rob our bodies of b vitamins, because empty calories require nutrients for digestion. When you use nutrients for digestion, yet don't replace them, you become nutrient-deficient. Marcia was continually vitamin-deficient and therefore, continually hungry!
— Brenda used alcohol to calm her nerves. As you'll read in Chapters 8 and 16, excessive alcohol consumption contributes to lowered levels of the brain chemical, serotonin. When serotonin is low, the usual result is a craving for carbohydrates—which is exactly what Brenda struggled with. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 B vitamins (p. 341), reduce female fertility, but not much is known about the specific role most nutrients play.14 Nonetheless, double-blind research has shown that taking a multivitamin/miner-al (p. 314) supplement increases female fertility.15
Vitamin E (p. 344) deficiency in animals leads to infertility.16 In a preliminary human trial, 100-200 IU of vitamin E given to each man and woman of infertile couples led to a significant increase in fertility.17
Women who are infertile should rule out the possibility of iron (p. 304) deficiency with the help of a doctor. |
| The mechanism is not understood. Oral b vitamins are unlikely to have the same effect because absorption of vitamin B]2 is quite limited. A nutritionally oriented doctor should be consulted regarding B12 or B]2/niacin injections. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions. |
| High doses of other b vitamins have shown mixed results in relieving
ADD symptoms.20,21 A practitioner knowledgeable in nutrition must be consulted when using high doses of vitamin B,.
Some children with ADD have lowered levels of magnesium (p. 310). In a preliminary but controlled trial, fifty ADD children with low magnesium (as determined by red blood cell, hair, and serum levels of magnesium) were given 200 mg of magnesium per day for 6 months. |
| Although treatments in "detox" centers may involve natural substances, such as b vitamins and vitamin C, these substances are often administered intravenously and therefore require a doctor's intervention. Oral vitamins are not believed to be very helpful in the initial stages of detoxification, because excessive drinking damages the gastrointestinal tract, leading to malabsorption. Intravenous (IV) administration of vitamins bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and therefore supplies vitamins even in the absence of a healthy gut. |
| Prospective study of coronary heart disease incidence in relation to fasting total homocysteine, related genetic polymorphisms, and b vitamins. Circulation 1998; 98: 204-10.
20. Kuller LH, Evans RW. Homocysteine, vitamins, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 1998; 98: 196-99 [editorial/review].
21. Stolzenberg-Solomon RZ, Miller ER III, Maguire MG, et al. Association of dietary protein intake and coffee consumption with serum homocysteine concentrations in an older population. Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69: 467-75.
22. Selhub J, Jacques PF, Wilson PW, et al. |
| This reaction, which is sped up in the presence of moisture or heat, can cause the b vitamins to "bleed" through the tablet or capsule, discoloring it and also making the multiple "smell." While the multiple is still safe and effective, the smell is off-putting and usually not very well tolerated. Liquid multiples in a soft-gel capsule— or tablets or capsules that are kept dry and cool— don't have this problem.
Some people find capsules easier to swallow. This is often a function of size. Capsules are usually not as large as a tablet.
Some people prefer vegetarian multiples. |
Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon
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| Supplement b vitamins, take in the day time. Calcium, take before bedtime. Diet: Real Food Diet, No junk food, etc. (See Hyperactivity this chapter.)
Other: Exercise and Chiropractic care both help.
—Do not exercise just before going to bed. Go to bed when sleepy, but get up the usual time in the morning no matter how much sleep. Body will usually regulate itself.
Herbal Combinations:
Kidney/Bladder Combs. |
Gary Null
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| In fact, without using oil supplements, it's possible to increase the efficiency with which your body uses essential fatty acids by taking extra zinc and b vitamins. Many people have a problem absorbing and metabolizing fatty acids, as noted above. But if the basic levels of these substances aren't provided it is impossible to tell if the problem is metabolic. Many experts state that essential fatty acid deficiencies are rare due to their wide distribution in our diet, but only the corn oil type is actually widely consumed. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Phosphorus is combined with the b vitamins to assist their functions in the body; furthermore, phosphoproteins are contained in many enzyme systems.
In addition to its role in these processes and in skeletal growth and tooth development, phosphorus has a number of other functions. It helps in kidney function and acts as a buffer for acid-base balance in the body. Phosphorus aids muscle contraction, including the regularity of the heartbeat, and is also supportive of proper nerve conduction. This important mineral supports the conversion of niacin and riboflavin to their active coenzyme forms. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The liver utilizes various b vitamins to detoxify estrogen and excrete it in the bile.
There appears to be support for Dr Biskind's theory. Estrogen excess is known to produce cholestasis, a term which signifies diminished bile flow or stasis of bile. Naturopathic physicians often refer to this condition as a "sluggish liver". It reflects minimal impairment of liver function because normal indicators of liver status (such as liver enzymes: alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT, and GGTP) are not elevated. |
| This suggests that b vitamins may be of use in estrogen deficiency conditions such as atrophic vaginitis, especially if combined with phytoestrogens.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids
These nutrients are essential in any process related to immune function. Deficiency of vitamin C reduces the phagocytic activity of leukocytes. Both vitamin C and bioflavonoids improve connective tissue integrity, thus reducing spread of infection. Both nutrients are also useful in reducing the frequency and severity of herpetic outbreaks. |
| Miscellaneous factors
Other b vitamins have also been shown to be involved in seborrheic dermatitis; experimentally induced aribo-flavinosis produces the sicca form of the disorder.7
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Although the optimal approach to treating all patients with seborrheic dermatitis is not clear at this time, effective therapy is available for most patients. In infants, alleviation of the biotin deficiency and control of the food allergies are the keys. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Folic acid is but one of the b vitamins that in recent years has been the subject of research into the role that nutrients play in the prevention, mitigation or treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and other diseases or conditions. For example, researchers are continuing to unravel the association between levels of folate, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and inositol, and the reduction of excessive levels of blood homocysteine, a marker associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| It is important, however, to acknowledge the importance of utilizing b vitamins, especially thiamine, when any fast is broken with i.v. glucose.114,115
The decision to terminate the fast should be based on the complete clinical picture and not on an isolated sign or symptom.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindications to fasting are few, and each case must be judged individually, since no two cases are alike. For example, an inexperienced practitioner may assume that emaciated patients should not fast, while Shelton states:69
Extreme emaciation: In such cases a long fast is impossible. |
| Liver detoxification support
Nutritional factors
Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E are obviously quite important in protecting the liver from damage as well as helping in the detoxification mechanisms, but even simple nutrients like b vitamins, calcium, and trace minerals are critical in the elimination of heavy metals and other toxic compounds from the body.44"46
The lipotropic agents, choline, betaine, methionine, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12/ are useful as they promote the flow of fat and bile to and from the liver. |
| Elevated levels of pyruvate may reflect failure of the enzyme due to a functional need for increased b vitamins, particularly thiamin and pantothenic acid.
Levels of pyruvate in the tissues are further controlled by the biotin-containing protein, pyruvate carboxylase, which controls the first step in the reformation of glucose from pyruvate. Multiple forms of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency, some of which are biotin-responsive, have been reported.13
Lactate accumulates when there is a block in the final oxidative phosphorylation (ox/phos) stage of energy production. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| A molybdenum-rich yeast may be available as an added nutrient, which usually contains a lot of other minerals and b vitamins. Sodium molybdate, which recently has come on the market, can be taken by people who want more molybdenum, though intake should be limited to 500 meg. daily. It is probably best to take molybdenum in a general multivitamin and to take 2-3 mg. of copper daily as well, because of the potential copper loss with molybdenum supplementation. Further research is required, but it appears that molybdenum is very important for optimum health and longevity. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Brewer's yeast or Saccharo-myces cerevisiae (see Brewer's Yeast), which is used as a nutritional supplement, is one of the richest sources of biotin, as well as the other b vitamins. Royal jelly, also used as a nutritional supplement (see Royal Jelly), is another rich source of biotin. Mammals and many plant species are unable to synthesize biotin. Biotin is synthesized by bacteria, yeast and other fungi, algae and certain plant species. In fact, the microflora of the human large intestine appear to contribute to the biotin requirements of the body. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| Sulfur is also present in two b vitamins, thiamine and biotin; interestingly, thiamine is important to skin and biotin to hair. Sulfur is also available as various sulfates or sulfides. But overall, sulfur is most important as part of protein.
Sulfur has been used commonly since the early 1800s. Grandma's "spring tonic" consisted mainly of sulfur and molasses. This also acted as a laxative. Sulfur has been known as the "beauty mineral" because it helps the complexion and skin stay clear and youthful. The hydrogen sulfide gas in onions is what causes tearing. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Adequate levels of lipotropic factors and b vitamins are necessary for estrogen conjugation.
Colon function
Breast disease has been linked to the Western diet and bowel function. There is an association between epithelial dysplasia in nipple aspirates of breast fluid and the frequency of bowel movements.16 Women having fewer than three bowel movements per week have a risk of FBD 4.5 times greater than women having at least one a day. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| Some may be lacking in many Americans' diets because of the consumption of refined flour products, sugar, coffee, and alcohol, which can deplete b vitamins. Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, irritability, nervousness, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, sore (burning) mouth or tongue, and cracks at the corners of the mouth. |
| These are not b vitamins in the strict sense nor are they essential, but they have become known as vitamins B13, B15, and B17, respectively. Let's look into these vitamins further.
Biotin, a fairly recently named B vitamin, was discovered by the deficiency symptoms created through consuming large amounts (about 30 percent of the diet) of raw eggs. Avidin, a protein and carbohydrate molecule in the egg white, binds with biotin in the stomach and decreases its absorption. Cooking destroys the avidin, so the only concern about this interaction is with raw egg consumption. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 It's best to take the b vitamins together.)
Be sure you're getting both beta-carotene and vitamin A in your multivitamin formula.
Other Tips on These Drugs
They can skew the results of many blood and urine tests. Take them with food or they may upset your stomach.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Amiloride (Midamor) Spironolactone (Aldactone) Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Combinations (Dyazide, Moduretic, Aldactazide, Maxzide)
The potassium-sparing diuretics are usually combined with one of the other diuretics to reduce excessive potassium depletion. |
| If you're on a diuretic be sure you're taking plenty of b vitamins.
One of the most devastating side effects of diuretics for women is their tendency to promote the excretion of calcium in the urine, resulting in bone loss and osteoporosis.
Another side effect of diuretics is a higher susceptibility to heat stroke or heat stress, caused by the body's inability to cool off by sweating. This is particularly important for older people who live in a warm or hot climate. When it's hot and you're taking a diuretic, it's important to drink plenty of fluids. |
| Fortunately for nearly everyone, homocysteine can be easily and inexpensively lowered by taking some b vitamins. If you're taking a daily multivitamin that includes 400 meg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 1,000 meg of vitamin B12, you should be covered. If your homocysteine levels are high, you should be getting an additional 200 mg daily of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and 1 to 4 mg of folic acid daily until your homocysteine levels are back to normal. |
| If you have a deficiency of certain b vitamins or a genetic predisposition that interferes with the metabolism of homocysteine, the levels of it in your blood will rise, and so will your risk of heart disease and stroke.
According to a study done at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, if your homocysteine levels are just 20 percent above normal, your risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly increased. If your physician wants to measure your homocysteine levels, a normal homocysteine level is about 12 umol/L, and cardiovascular risk increases at about 14 to 16 umol/L. |
| Excess estrogens and synthetic estrogens cause depletion of the b vitamins in general, but especially folic acid and vitamin B6, which can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, a major risk factor for heart disease; cervical dysplasia; and carpal tunnel syndrome. They also cause vitamin C to be cleared from the body more rapidly.
There is also some evidence that some types of birth control pills deplete the mineral zinc.
What Else to Take if You Take This Drug
If you're taking small amounts of natural estrogens to treat menopausal symptoms, you should be fine. |
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