Nature's Sunshine Products NSP

[CombinedNSP]

Pernicious Anemia & Vitamin B 12

"The primary cause of vitamin B 12 malabsorption is due to the loss of an important enzyme in the stomach's gastric juice which is responsible for 99% of B 12 uptake. This enzyme is commonly referred to as the stomach's "intrinsic factor." The body's production of "intrinsic factor" is most often lost as a result of autoimmune reactions, a condition where the immune system manufactures antibodies which attack the body's own tissues. Autoimmune reactions typically attack the areas of the stomach which produce ‘intrinsic factor.'"

"Vitamin B 12 is naturally produced only by microorganisms. When found in trace amounts in herbs and foods such as fish, eggs, beef, pork, dairy products, and organ meats, it is only because these substances contain B 12-producing bacteria. Among healthy individuals, large amounts of B 12 are produced by "friendly" bacteria in the colon, and smaller amounts are found in the saliva and throughout the gastrointestinal tract."

NSP's Vitamin B 12 is a vegetarian supplement providing 100mcg of B 12 per tablet. It is specially formulated with dong quai root and marshmallow root to promote B 12 absorption. This supplement contains no animal by-products.

The anxiety, depression and neurological problems she is experiencing fit exactly into the profile of B 12 deficiency. While B 12 injections are commonly used, she may also want to address her immune system (see above), and begin taking digestive enzyme supplements (Food Enzymes or Proactazyme if she's a vegetarian). Furthermore, I would highly recommend Bifidophilus to make sure her levels of B 12-producing "friendly bacteria" are sufficient.

Spirulina is an excellent source of B 12...actually one of the few plant sources of this nutrient. One teaspoon of spirulina can provide as much as 2 -1/2 times the RDA for B 12 and over twice the amount of B 12 found in an equivalent serving of liver.
(Hart Toolkit, 1997)
-Laura Clement