B12 Therapy IMPORTANT NOTES:

INTENDED FOR: Those of you whose problems are caused by B12 deficiency (as mine are/were - symptoms of B12 macrocytic anemia and PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY - including insomnia, tachycardia, neurogenic atrophy of muscles and/or muscular atrophy, myopathy; general weakness, paleness of nail beds; dyspnea (shortness of breath) on simple tasks - even such as holding breath while drinking, paleness or very vague pale tinge to skin tone; seborrheic dermatitis, paresthesias galore. Both neurological deficit and anemia can cause similar problems - it is always best to consult a competent physician).

VITAL INFORMATION: Your regimen for treatment of B12 deficiency will include a daily dose of B12 oral up to 2000mcg. This will very quickly lower your B9, folate, reserves. B12 and B9 must be taken together. (In some studies this has been shown to increase cancer cell division rates - so seek medical advice if you may be genetically at higher cancer risk, or environmentally prone to agents that promote cancer cell growth rates - eg., gasolene, diesel, petrochemical exposure.

NB: A 1000mcg dose of B12 oral daily will reduce your Potassium reserves in 3 days.

It is important to note the following interrelations between nutrients:

B12 must be partnered with B9 in a supportive ratio (or the higher corrective ratio if B9 deficiency anemia has commenced). High dose B12 also greatly enhances need for potassium intake. Erstwhile, B9 will markedly increase need for Zinc and Magnesium. AND Calcium must stay in the correct ration with Magnesium (do not exceed a ratio of 2:1 of calcium : Magnesium - and include dietary intake in your calculations).

CAUTION: Long term Folate/Folic Acid (B9) use is not advised. In extreme cases it can cause kidney damage and 'excite' liver dysfunction making liver symptoms more pronounced. Proceed with EXTREME CAUTION. Main symptom to watch for - loss of appetite.

Folate is the natural form of B9 and Folic Acid is the synthetic form. Most cautions surround heightened cancer risk when taking high dosage Folic Acid, especially in the presence of B12. However the natural variety of B9 Folate in high doses is likewise not advised.

Long term zinc use is also highly discouraged, and can lower copper levels, as can high calcium and low potassium and low sodium - proceed with EXTREME CAUTION.

Add a touch of salt to your potatoes - sodium must be in appropriate ratio with potassium.

It is also possible to overdose on calcium and magnesium - so, once again, proceed with EXTREME CAUTION.



MY PERSONAL REGIMEN - may be used alone or in conjunction with above:

MY person regimen for staving off B9 Folate deficiency anemia is to proceed as follows (your regimen may differ, depending on your physician's advice).

Daily:

B12 2000mcg (oral, take on empty stomach,one hour BEFORE food, in one hit. Do not divide dosage). Do this for 10 weeks. Then reduce dosage by half.

4 times a day: 750mcg of B9 oral. Do not exceed 3mg (3000mcg) in any 24 hour period - please keep a journal/log of your medication. Continue until symptoms of B9 Folate deficiency are gone, then reduce as follows:

500mcg * 2 times a day
250mcg * 3 times a day
500mcg * 1 per day
250mcg * 1 per day
Discontinue - and take in B9 from dietary sources only.

Magnesium:
250mg * 3 times a day

Zinc:
125mg * 1 per day

Potassium:
250mg * 1 per day

Calcium:
300mg * 3 times a day (Take with full glass of (purified) water)

Increase dietary copper sources:

The best dietary sources include seafood (especially shellfish), organ meats (e.g., liver), whole grains, legumes (e.g., beans and lentils) and chocolate. Nuts, including peanuts and pecans, are especially rich in copper, as are grains such as wheat and rye, and several fruits including lemons and raisins.

Muscle Atrophy note:

In cases where muscles are affected (atrophy, pump is not so full, or muscles feel flabby or "loose" - use l-carnitine, or take a good quality protein supplement. This should halt progression of atrophy (even in cancerous cachexia). Or drink a protein shake three times a day to boost essential amino acids. Taking BCAAs 4 times daily may also help prevent further muscle mass destruction.

Inositol Note:

Inositol in my experience has had no significant effect, for better or worse. Therefore, what is the point?

Please email me at dubinin2@hush.com for any clarification.