--I agree with ConsiderThis' idea that you want to very carefully track your symptom exacerbations/remissions, to see just how closely related they might be with taking your supplements. It's a good idea to do this in diary form--memory can be unreliable.

Remember, too, that increased sensory symptoms may well be a good sign, as previously dormant nerves "wake-up" and try to reconnect to their targets; since they don't do this in the same pattern that was there originally, the process often is accompanied by a lot of weird symptoms that may appear to be "worsening", as the brain learns to reinterpret the signals/sensations. The real test is whether or not these sensations persist months to years. Neural "progress", given the slow rate of nerve regeneration/reconnection, is best measured over the long-term.

Regarding the taking of B12 at a different time from anything else--Brian's got the idea. The cobalamin molecule, in its various forms, is the largest molecule among any of the basic building-block nutrients or enzymes humans process, and therefore it is very easy to interfere with it's absorption (it's very easy to crowd it out). This is why it's recommended to take one's B12 seperately from anything else by at least an hour or so each way. I'm chewing on my lozenge right now, two hours post-breakfast and two hours (at least) before lunch.

repairing nerves...

In this book...there is a chapter on nerve repair:

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag99/sept99_review.html

This author suggests (and I agree) that essential fatty acids in addition to
B12, B6, and folate are needed. Since many people may have genetic errors in metabolism of the B's...using the activated forms may be necessary (he does not go into that area however). Nerve sheaths are composed of fatty acids, and our diets are typically lacking the good ones. Avoid trans fats at all costs. Fortunately food products and restaurants are discontinuing using them now. Even in the remote boonies this summer, one of our fave eats spot had signs on each table explaining the new non-trans fat they were using.
It was a combo of a little corn oil (to raise smoke point for frying) + canola. So it is getting easier now to eat out safely.

And it follows if you take essential fatty acids in food or supplements, you need adequate magnesium to convert them. (the book does not go into that either).

Since one wouldn't be in tough straights unless "something" is wrong, I tend to
recommend the activated forms. These are found in Metanx Rx product.
You can also get them separately...but the methylfolate is no longer available, only the Folinic acid form. Merck greedily stopped providing it to distributors to beef up the RX sales. Source Naturals is providing folinic acid now.

I keep promising myself that I am going to keep a record and never around to actually starting it, looks like im going to have once and for all.I too am munching on a quarter of a 5mg methyl b12, I had 5mg around 10:00am and sometimes take a quarter in the evening.

I will take on board what you say and I really hope that is the case, and that the increased sensations are occuring because of the healing process.Thanks for that info.

OMG, that is very interesting about the B12 molecule being bigger than the others and therefore being at a disadvantage to compete.

(Being really tall, I can see that)

Thank you so much Glenntaj for explaining it so clearly.

Mark --

When you say, "munching," you don't mean that literally, do you... you're not chewing it or anything?

I'm sure you were just using a more interesting word than dissolving, but just to be sure, I want to say that it's got to be dissolved under the tongue so that it can enter the body via the tissue there... (boy, would it be great if Glenntaj explained why that tissue is able to take in the B12)

Hi Karen I was dissolving it under the tongue although I did read somewhere recently that it did not make much difference if you swallowed the pill instead, I can't remember what site it was on though...

Whew!

What a relief!

It does make a difference. Let it get right into your system via the tissue under your tongue. Quick, easy, more effective.



I'm glad you wrote, I was worried.

If you have a tablet you doubt will dissolve properly, I suggest you get a different brand or chew it (and then brush your teeth if there is a concern).

Most of what you dissolve will go down your throat anyway, and since B12 is such a large molecule there is doubt whether the sublingual delivery is more effective. The size of the dose is the important thing.

rose