Introducing Dr. Jessica Gurske & Vitamin B12

You may have noticed a new face around the office.

We have a new naturopathic doctor at the Chiropractic Health Centre.

Dr Jessica completed her BSc at the University of Waterloo 

and then went on to complete her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. 

She is currently practicing at the Chiropractic Health Centre. 

Jessica has an eclectic practice and has a focus on nutrition and disease prevention. You can find out more about Naturopathic Medicine and Dr Jessica at www.drjessica.ca 

Just the other week, I was in to see Jessica for an acupuncture treatment when I mentioned that I was feeling a bit run down and that my thoughts were a bit "clouded"

...she suggested a vitamin B12 shot.

Never having had a B12 shot before I was not sure what to expect.

I decided to go for it, and I am glad I did.

What a "pick me up"!

By that evening, and over the next number of days, I noticed 

an increase in energy & focus AND I slept like a baby.

For this month's newsletter I asked Jessica to share about 

the "whats" and "whys" of getting a vitamin B12 shot.

Enjoy!

The Benefits of Vitamin B12

by Jessica Gurske

B12 shots have become a popular way of increasing one’s levels of this essential vitamin. As a practicing Naturopathic Doctor, I have seen 

many people benefit from a boost in this vitamin. 

But why do we need it, what does it do and how do we get it? 

Let’s start with the basics.

B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that our bodies use to maintain healthy nerve cells, produce RNA, DNA and red blood cells and helps iron function properly. 

It is only found in significant amounts in animal foods (meats, fish and dairy). 

Fermented foods, such as tempeh, may contain some B12 as well, but because the B12 content depends on how these fermented foods are made, there is large variation on the actual amounts and some evidence suggests that the form of B12 in these fermented foods is not exactly the form that meets our body’s requirements. B12 is absorbed in the intestines and requires a substance called Intrinsic Factor (produced in the stomach) to allow the body to absorb it.

Deficiencies of B12 can occur even if one consumes a diet containing meats and dairy. If someone can’t produce intrinsic factor or their production is reduced in the stomach, the body won’t be able to absorb the B12 from the diet in the intestines. Certain medications (such as proton pump inhibitors and Metformin) can interfere with absorption. Also, if there is any inflammation in the intestines or other conditions that reduce nutrient absorption, B12 may be affected. Conditions that lower absorption can range from Colitis or Crohn’s to food sensitivities! Others may just have a higher need for B12.

B12 shots, however, bypass this method of absorption and allow the B12 to enter the blood stream directly to be delivered to the organs that need it. Methylcobalamin (the form of B12 used in my practice) is the active form of B12 and can be used by the body immediately without any need for conversion.

B12 has been shown to improve fatigue and weakness and many people get an energy “boost” from these injections! Deficiencies can also cause numbness, “pins and needles” sensations, burning feeling in the feet, impaired mental function and is often common in the elderly and strict vegetarians or vegans. B12 has also shown benefit in Alzheimer’s, depression and mental confusion. There is no known toxicity level and new research is showing benefit from high dose supplementation (up to 25 000 microgram doses) in ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and autism.