Vitamin B Complex

-

Vitamin B6  Pyridoxine / Pyridoxal / Pyridoxamine

Vit B 6 is referred as pyridoxine which is available from plant sources and Pyridoxal phosphate which is available from animal sources.
The vitamin is found in legumes, wheat grain covering(bran), meat, nuts etc.
Deficiency states are due to poor intake of the vitamin. It can also occur if the bran is removed from wheat and starvation states. Deficiency may occur if less than .2 mg is taken daily. If a person is put on antituberculosis drug Isoniazid, deficiency symptoms can occur. This drug interacts with pyridoxal phosphate and hence vitamin B 6 is given together with Isoniazid to TB patients.
Symptoms of deficiency are burning and strange sensations in hands and feet (neuropathy), confusion, madness (psychosis), anemia, fits, depression, red tongue and seborrhea.
Deficiency is treated by giving Vit B6 in a dose of 50 mg/day. Intake of > 100 mg/day may cause toxic side effects which can be severe.

Vitamin B12  Cyanocobalmin

Vitamin B12  is otherwise also known as cyanocobalamin. It is required daily in minuscule quantities (1 microgram /day).
This vitamin is not available in plant-based food and requires acid in the stomach and a binding factor for its absorption. It is absorbed in the last part of intestines.
Deficiency is seen in strict vegetarians (Vegans), alcoholics, after prolonged acid-blocking drugs, diseases of terminal ileum etc.
Diagnosis is made easily by checking blood levels once the diagnosis is suspected.
Deficiency manifests in the form of anemia with large RBCs (megaloblasts), unsteadiness of gait, loss of position and vibration sense in feet, bladder and bowel incontinence, impotence and decrease cognitive abilities (dementia). The changes may become permanent if not treated early and may even result in death. Deficiency can also cause an increase in homocysteine levels and increased likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
In overt deficiency, it is given by injections to ensure rapid action. Oral preparations are also available for regular use.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fats in the Diet

-
Image
Each gram of fat provides 9 kcal of energy. Fats are essential for the human body as these make up the important part of all tissues and cells. The cell membrane is rich in lipids and brain is full of fat. In combination with proteins and phosphates, fats (lipids) for many important molecules. Linoleic and a-linolenic acids are essential fatty acids. Trans fats are usually of animal origin or provided by hydrogenation of oils. These are harmful for the body. Poly-unsaturated fats and Mono-unsaturated fats are associated with less risk to heart and brain compared to saturated fats. Fats of animal origin are more harmful compared to fats from vegetable sources. In terms of health benefits, olive oil, soya oil, sunflower and safflower oils rank high. In the body, lipids are measured in blood by the test of lipid profile (best done after 8-10 hrs of fasting). It measures S cholesterol (HDL or high density, LDL or low density and VLDL and IDL very low and intermediate respec
Read more

Urinary Tract Infections : Women

-
Image
U TI in short, is a common illness in a woman, especially during the reproductive period. The incidence in western countries is .5/woman /year. It is commoner in women compared to men due to their shorter urethra (Tube from the lower end of the bladder to opening for urine). Bacteria from large intestines contaminate the skin around the anus, migrate to the vaginal opening and may ascend through the urethra to the bladder and sometimes via ureter to the kidneys. Infections of the bladder are called cystitis, infections of urethra urethritis and that of kidneys pyelonephritis. Symptoms of UTI In cases of urethritis, pain while passing urine (dysuria), more frequency, pus discharge from urine opening may occur. In cases of cystitis, dysuria, frequency, urgency (inability to hold urine), lower abdominal pain or discomfort and sometimes blood in urine may occur. In pyelonephritis, the symptoms usually are fever (temp above 38 °  C ), flank pain or discomfort, tenderne
Read more

Our Kidneys

-
Image
Our Kidneys Common Questions Are both my kidneys affected ? Ans:  Most diseases involve both kidney diseases simultaneously. Exceptions are obstructions in one kidney or ureter, the tumor of one kidney, injury to one kidney or ureter, infections confined to one kidney etc. However, some people may be born with only one kidney! Have both my kidneys failed ? Ans:      If the urea and creatinine are high, it means both kidneys are functioning less. If one kidney function is normal, urea and creatinine are usually not elevated. Will the kidney function recover with dialysis ? Ans:     Dialysis does not improve kidney function. It is a substitute for some of the kidney functions. In acute kidney injuries, dialysis may buy time and allow the kidneys to start functioning again. In Chronic kidney disease, unless there are some reversible elements, the kidney function will not only not recover but the residual function will also decrease with time. Do kidney donors lead a
Read more