B Vitamins B10 B11 and B12
Vitamin B10
Also known as factor R or PABA (Para-Amino Benzoic Acid) this is a vitamin like element. Whilst it is not thought to be essential to humans it is commonly used as an additive to skincare products such as sunscreen as it is thought to lessen the risk of skin cancer, it is thought to be essential to the growth and regulation of the skin and is used to treat rheumatic fever.
In addition to the above and despite the uncertainty of its real necessity for human health it is still used as a treatment of many common ailments such as depression, eczema, irritability, fatigue, premature greying of the hair, fibrotic skin disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.
Good natural sources are leafy green vegetables, eggs, kidney, liver, mushrooms, wheat germ and whole grains.
The symptoms of deficiency in Vitamin B10 can include:
- Irritability and depression
- Constipation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Skin problems & eczema
As always it is best to try and obtain sufficient amounts of B10 from natural sources however it this is not possible and a supplementation is required then care must be taken not to consume excess amounts. The symptoms of overdose can include nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, jaundice and liver toxicity.
Vitamin B11
Vitamin B11 is another form of Folic Acid and is also known as factor S having similar properties to those of vitamin B10.
Good natural sources are liver, heart, kidney, red meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.
The symptoms of deficiency in Vitamin B11 can include:
- Lack of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
As always it is best to try and source sufficient from natural sources however if supplementation is required then high dosages should be avoided except under the supervision of a health care professional. Can be toxic in high dosages and the symptoms of this can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, high blood pressure, disease of the liver, kidney or heart and an increase in the requirements for magnesium and/or potassium.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 otherwise known as Cobalamin is a water soluble vitamin and is once again a member of the B complex vitamin family it is also the only vitamin that contains essential minerals. This vitamin is essential for a healthy metabolism of nerve tissue and deficiencies are believed to cause brain damage and neurological disorders.
This vitamin is essential for good health and the main natural sources are liver, beef, pork, eggs, cheese and milk. In addition it is believed that vitamin B12 improves memory and concentration as well as being required to utilize fat, carbohydrates and proteins it may even be beneficial in protecting the body against cancers.
The symptoms of deficiency in vitamin B12 can include:
- Anaemia
- Mental deterioration
- Trembling
Dosages of between 5-50mcg should be adequate for most people; higher doses should be only given under the supervision of a medical professional and is best taken as part of a B-complex supplement. Vitamin B12 is not believed to be toxic.
