Vitamin B12


Book Description

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) was discovered in the first half of the 20th century. Vast amount of information on the role of the vitamins in human health and disease became available. Cobalamin science was, however, based on theoretical concepts that have been accepted without further proof of facts and hypotheses. Recently, the breath-taking pace of development in research technologies has changed our understanding for the role of nutrients and the complex interaction between diet, environment and diseases. Conditions like aging, diet and drugs increase the risk of developing cobalamin deficiency, probably because of diminished ability to liberate, absorb or distribute the food-derived vitamin. From a basic science point of view, understanding of the transport and function of the vitamin, may pave the road for using this system for drug delivery. This book represents up-to-date literature on the discoveries and developments in the field of cobalamin. It includes multifaceted aspects of the vitamin in health and disease conditions. The book has been written by leading scientists who have significant contributions in this field and represents therefore, a timely unique encyclopaedia on cobalamin.




Vitamin B 12 and B 12-Proteins


Book Description

This text reviews the important developments in the "B12-field" with regard to biological, chemical, pharmaceutical and medicinal aspects. Topics of particular interest include: biosynthesis of vitamin B12; B12-catalyzed enzymatic reactions and their mechanisms; and structural B12-chemistry




Could It Be B12?


Book Description

Presenting a wide scope of problems caused by B12 deficiency, this comprehensive guide provides up-to-date medical information about symptoms, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Written for both the patient and the interested layperson, this detailed book outlines how physicians frequently misdiagnose B12 deficiency as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, mental retardation, Parkinson's disease, depression, or other mental illnesses. Now in the second edition, this resource has been thoroughly updated with the latest research, diagnostic tests, treatment options, case studies, and testimonials.




Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Clinical Practice (colour)


Book Description

Dr Joseph Chandy, a practicing doctor for almost 50 years, has written a fascinating and important book. Some 20 years after starting to practice, Dr Chandy came across a patient with vitamin B12 deficiency who presented with neurological symptoms, but without the characteristic changes in blood cells. In the subsequent 30 years, he dedicated himself in General Practice to identifying and treating patients who had insufficiency of B12. The book vividly described this very human story and the challenges he faced from the authorities who were reluctant to admit that he was making the correct diagnoses. The authorities behaved very badly in prioritising the 'rule book' over the clinical symptoms. The book shines throughout with Dr Chandy's devotion to the well-being of the patient and it should be read by all GPs, in training and those with experience. Medical scientists should also read the book since Dr Chandy ranges across several areas of medicine where much more research is needed. The book is very readable and full of helpful practical information. If the regulatory authorities read the book, it could lead to an improvement in an unsatisfactory aspect of the current practice of medicine.Note this version is printed in colour with colour diagrams and colour photographs. There is a much cheaper version printed in black and white. The charity www.b12d.org is selling both items at cost (cost of printing) so the price difference is entirely due to cost of printing. Please feel free to make a donation if you would like to.




Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding


Book Description

Explaining the practical implications of new discoveries in 'life-course biology', Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding is an informed resource on factors that affect offspring development. The impact of parental lifestyle and behavioural choices influence not only fetal development and birth outcomes, but also postnatal development, yet guidance on appropriate diet, behaviour, and exposures during pregnancy is often confusing and contradictory. With accessible explanations of the latest scientific research, and clear summaries and recommendations, this book is a valuable and authoritative guide for all levels of health care providers. The authors provide an overview of the background evidence, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices prior to and during pregnancy. In-depth discussions of nutritional and lifestyle factors that impact on pregnancy and offspring outcomes are based on the latest research and exploration of key scientific studies. Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding is a manual offering both scientific and clinical evidence to empower health care providers and ensure they have the information necessary to confidently care for prospective and new parents.




Industrial Biotechnology of Vitamins, Biopigments, and Antioxidants


Book Description

Vitamins are a group of physiologically very important, chemically quite complex organic compounds, that are essential for humans and animals. Some vitamins and other growth factors behave as antioxidants, while some can be considered as biopigments. As their chemical synthesis is laborious, their biotechnology-based synthesis and production via microbial fermentation has gained substantial interest within the last decades. Recent progress in microbial genetics and in metabolic engineering and implementation of innovative bioprocess technology has led to a biotechnology-based industrial production of many vitamins and related compounds. Divided into three sections, this volume covers: 1. water-soluble vitamins 2. fat-soluble vitamin compounds and 3. other growth factors, biopigments, and antioxidants. They are all reviewed systematically: from natural occurrence and assays, via biosynthesis, strain development, to industrially-employed biotechnological syntheses and applications.




Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases


Book Description

Human sufferings, including deaths, can be reduced or avoided by applying routine principles of hygiene in individuals' lives. Some hygiene routines are purely simple remedies, which are inexpensive, affordable, acceptable and easily accessible. It is evident that change is first enacted from within the mindset of an individual, then transmitted to families, groups and communities, and eventually the mindset of a nation can change creating an environment which is better for everybody to live in. This book contains chapters discussing conditions or diseases that may not be common in the readers' area. Caution as such may never be underestimated considering the fact that we are living in a global village where one can never say 'this does not occur in my area' but rather question, does this occur in my community, why does it occur, who is affected, where and when does it occur and what can be done about it? These questions constitute what epidemiology is all about, and their precise and comprehensive answers can transform lives and help us have the right perceptions for the health challenges we face and accept the possibility of dealing with them directly.




Pernicious Anaemia


Book Description

This book could save you years of ill health! Vitamin B12 definicency, often caused by pernicious anaemia, can be a devastating condition if left untreated, leaing to irreversible nerve damage and disability after years of exhaustion and mental 'fog'. Its symptoms creep up on sufferers and are under-recognised by doctors; tests to confirm it and underlying pernicious anaemia, are problematic. Martyn Hooper, the founder of the Pernicious Anaemia Society, now brings together vital information about the condition and real-life stories - including his own and those of many members of the society - that will help sufferers and their friends and fmailies recognise the condition and understand how best to tackle it. In particular, the book draws on the findings of a survey of society members that give new clarity to the complex issues involved.




Food Fortification in a Globalized World


Book Description

Food Fortification in a Globalized World outlines experiences over the past 50 years—and future potential—for the application of food fortification across a variety of foods in the industrialized and developing world. The book captures recent science and applications trends in fortification, including emerging areas such as biofortification, nutraceuticals and new nutrient intake recommendations, standards, policy and regulation. The book proposes a balanced and effective food fortification strategy for nations to adopt. In covering the most technical scientific details in an approachable style, this work is accessible to a range of practitioners in industry, government, NGOs, academia and research. Food fortification has become an increasingly significant strategy to address gaps in micronutrient intakes in populations with measurable impact in both industrialized and developing countries. While the positive impacts are well recognized there are new concerns in some countries that excessive fortification of foods, outdated nutritional labeling rules and misleading marketing tactics used by food manufacturers may result in young children consuming harmful amounts of some vitamins and minerals. - Presents the latest science on fortification for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies - Includes emerging areas such as biofortification, nutraceuticals and new nutrient intake recommendations, standards, regulations, practices and policies from around the world - Summarizes evidence of application of food fortification and measured impact on public health - Discusses how public policy impacts fortification of foods and nutritional deficiencies - Considers the complex economics of and market for fortified foods




Nutritional Biochemistry of the Vitamins


Book Description

An authoritative and comprehensive review of our current knowledge of the vitamins, their metabolic functions and the scientific basis for setting recommended intakes for the prevention of deficiency and promotion of optimum health. This publication will be a valuable reference for students and specialists alike in the field of nutritional biochemistry.