Vitamin B12 has earned the reputation of being an energy booster and an appetite stimulant and it's for this reason that many bodybuilders and athletes choose to supplement their diet with this nutrient. It can also be a worthy addition to post cycle treatment (PCT) since it's on discontinuing the use of anabolic agents that most athletes are likely to find their energy and appetite levels falling.
However, aside from its use in PCT, vitamin B12 has many valuable functions in the body, particularly when it comes to the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 assists normal growth and development, helps with certain types of nerve damage and treats pernicious anemia. Another important role of B12 is in the maintenance of the myelin sheath, which provides insulation in nerve cells. It is the deterioration of this valuable protective cover which results in the neurological damage seen in such conditions as Multiple Sclerosis.
Vitamin B12 is also essential when it comes to the production of blood platelets and red and white blood cells. In addition it participates in a variety of cellular reactions, which are vital when it comes to the liberation of energy from carbohydrates.
THE ABSORPTION FACTOR
The absorption of Vitamin B12 depends on a substance known as gastric Intrinsic Factor (IF). Intrinsic Factor is secreted by the stomach lining and it binds to B12 assisting its passage through the intestinal lining and into the blood. This can be one limiting factor when it comes to the full absorption of orally ingested B12. Any abnormal production of gastric intrinsic factor can reduce B12 uptake and therefore lead to deficiency.
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, constipation, flatulence, loss of appetite and weight loss. However, when the deficiency state is severe, symptoms can progress to nervous system problems such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and, at its worst, destruction of the myelin sheath.
Since levels of Vitamin B12 often decrease with age (which may in part be due to a limiting factor present in its full absorption) it may be wise to consider one of the many forms of supplementation available. Any form of bacterial overgrowth in the stomach will also compromise the uptake and utilization of this valuable nutrient.
FOOD SOURCES
Vitamin B12 is found principally in animal products (e.g. liver, red meat, tuna, cottage cheese, yogurt and eggs). However, once again, due to the fact that absorption may be compromised in many ways, the use of a nutritional supplement containing B12 is often advised. The forms of B12 commonly used in such products are cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and the two coenzyme forms methylcobalamin and 5- deoxyadenosyclcobalamin.
ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF ADMINISTRATION
Due to the array of limiting factors surrounding the absorption of orally administered Vitamin B12, many athletes choose to use the injectable form of this vitamin. I have even heard of it being mixed with Winstrol by some bodybuilders. Either way, it is not surprising that physicians usually opt for the injectable form when prescribing its use. So, if you are considering the use of Vitamin B12, perhaps this is the preferred route of administration.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
