Alzheimer s disease is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that is characterized by memory loss, nerve damage, and confusion. Studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer s disease have significantly low serum vitamin B 12 levels and vitamin B 12 deficiency. It has not been established whether low vitamin B 12 levels are a cause or a result of the disease. Although vitamin B 12 is very helpful in certain conditions experienced by the elderly, it is beneficial to people of all ages. Vitamin B 12 enhances energy and is particularly indicated during times of stress, fatigue, or recovery from an illness.
Cobalamin helps stimulate metabolism and is indicated for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Although vitamin B 12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it is also stored in the liver, kidney, and other body tissues. Thus, symptoms of a vitamin B 12 deficiency may not manifest before 5 to 6 years of insufficient dietary intake or inadequate secretion of intrinsic factor. Pernicious anemia is the characteristic condition of vitamin B 12 deficiency. However, vitamin B 12 deficiency will first affect the brain and nervous system, before fulmination of pernicious anemia. Deficiency symptoms manifest with changes in the nervous system such as soreness and weakness in the legs and arms, diminished reflex response and sensory perception, memory loss, weakness and fatigue, difficulty walking and speaking, jerking of limbs, disorientation, and impaired touch or pain perception.