If your doctor believes that you are suffering from the blood disorder known as iron deficiency anemia, it is likely that a “Total Iron Binding Capacity” or “TIBC” test will be ordered. This test is really easy to understand. It simply takes a measurement of the iron that is located in the blood.

The medical professional that interprets the test will be able to determine if there is an excess of iron within the blood, or if there is a lower than normal amount of iron in the blood. This is made possible by the fact that when iron is transported within the blood, it attaches to a special protein referred to as “Transferrin”. The test works to discover the measurement of this protein.

Preparation

If you are ordered to take the “Total Iron Binding Capacity” test for iron deficiency anemia, it is important to ensure that you know and understand how to effectively prepare for it. You should understand that, because this is a blood test, the blood will be drawn from one of the veins in your body.

An antiseptic is used to clean the injection spot – which is typically from the inside of the area of the elbow or perhaps on the hand. Then, an elastic form of a band will be tied on the area of the upper arm so that the vein swells and becomes visible. The blood is then collected into a vial where it can be sealed and sent for testing.

Test Results

If the test comes back abnormally and there is a high amount of iron in the blood, it typically means that you have iron deficiency anemia. It could also mean that you are in the late stages of pregnancy too. If the test results in low iron levels, it may mean that there is an issue with the liver, you are experiencing a type of malnutrition, you may have Hemolytic Anemia, pernicious anemia, or Sickle Cell Anemia.

Your medical doctor will be able to determine an appropriate course of action if you have Iron Deficiency Anemia, or any other condition that the “Total Iron Binding Capacity” test reveals.

Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin for many reasons. It was the most recent vitamin to be discovered, when scientists finally isolated its pure form in 1948. Until that time, doctors knew only that an “extrinsic factor” existed (a compound that had to be ingested) and was necessary to prevent pernicious anemia. This deficiency disease was reported as early as the 1820′s but it wasn’t until the 1920′s that an extract from liver was found to be the cure, and still more years passed before the “extrinsic factor” was finally identified as vitamin B12.

The digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 is more complicated than other vitamins: Three components are necessary for a human to be able to absorb adequate amounts. If one of these is missing, injections become the only way to prevent a deficiency.

First, the stomach must be present. This may sound obvious at first, but in fact many nutrients are actually absorbed in the small intestine and a stomach is not necessary for human survival. In the case of vitamin B12, however, “intrinsic factor” must be present in the stomach to combine with the “extrinsic factor” (vitamin B12) for absorption to occur. The stomach produces this intrinsic factor. A person may have to have their stomach removed due to severe ulcers, polyps, or cancer, and afterwards will not be able to absorb oral B12. In this case they would need injections of the vitamin because no matter how much they eat, it will not be absorbed.

The second component is stomach acid. Even if the stomach is present, a condition of low acid production (achlorhydria) is not uncommon in the elderly. This acid environment is necessary for the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to combine. Another cause of low stomach acid is when antacid medications are taken consistently over long periods of time. If stomach acid is lacking and a person becomes B12 deficient, monthly injections are needed to prevent pernicious anemia.

The third component necessary is the functioning area of the small intestine where the vitamin is actually absorbed. Known as the terminal ileum, it is the last part of the small intestine just before the GI tract leads into the large intestine. Some people may need to have this part of their ileum removed due to inflammation from Crohn’s disease, or other chronic bowel irritations. Even if the ileum is present, if it is inflamed or scarred from an irritable bowel disease, the vitamin will not be absorbed adequately. For these people, vitamin B12 injections are a lifesaver.

Who else needs vitamin B12 injections? Not healthy people who eat balanced diets. Not people who feel tired all the time and lack energy but have not been diagnosed with a deficiency of the vitamin. Not even strict vegetarians who don’t get a source of the vitamin in their diet. Even though B12 is only found in animal products, there are other ways to consume it orally: Some can be found in certain nutritional yeasts; many cereals are fortified with B vitamins including B12, and other foods such as energy bars are also fortified in many instances. The back-up plan for strict vegans (who consume no animal products) is taking a daily vitamin B12 pill from the bottle-no injection is needed because there is no problem absorbing the vitamin!

Injections are only necessary for people who are missing their stomach, their stomach acid, or their terminal ileum. Taking injections when your body is perfectly capable of absorbing the vitamin orally will not serve any purpose, change any symptoms, or resolve any feelings of low energy. This myth comes from the fact that a person who is truly B12 deficient has a deadly form of anemia and can be cured by the shots. The only thing a B12 injection can cure is a B12 deficiency.

To check for possible deficiency disease, a simple lab test (the MCV or mean corpuscular volume) indicates that red blood cells are not dividing and multiplying at the appropriate rate. Known as megaloblastic anemia, these large cells could indicate potential pernicious anemia. If further diagnostics are needed there are specific absorption tests available. It certainly makes sense to have your doctor diagnose the problem and identify the source before starting any injection treatments.

What is vitamin B complex?

B complex, once thought to be a single vitamin, is now classified as 12 related water-soluble compounds. Four can be synthesized by the body and include inositol, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), choline and lipoic acid. The remaining eight are not made in the body and are considered essential to good health (1).

B1 (thiamine) acts as a coenzyme (2) in metabolizing nutrients. Deficiency has been known to lead to heart and nervous system problems.

B2 (riboflavin) is crucial to co-enzymatic reactions. Inadequate amounts may cause the lining of the mouth and skin to swell.

B3 (niacin) is essential to healthy metabolism. Deficiencies are purported to cause cognitive slowing and inflammation of skin and orifices.

B5 (pantothenic acid) is important to the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates.

B6 (pyridoxine) is an important cofactor for enzymes. Inflammation of the skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, anemia, fatigue and dizziness can result from deficiency.

B7 (biotin) aids in the healthy reproduction of cells and is crucial to cell and body growth.

B9 (folic acid, folate) is needed for nucleic acid synthesis (the making of genetic material). Too low levels of B9 have been known to result in megaloblastic anemia.

B12 (cobalamin) is also needed for nucleic acid synthesis. Both megaloblastic and pernicious anemia (lower than normal red blood cell count) can result from cobalamin deficiency.

Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that aids nerve health.

Choline is a constituent of lecithin (a compound which breaks up fat and cholesterol) and essential to fat metabolism.

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) helps in metabolizing protein and forming red blood cells.

Lipoic acid functions as an antioxidant in the body to protect cells against free radical damage.

(1) There are 13 vitamins said to be essential for normal cell function, growth and development. Eight are B complex vitamins (source: Medline).

(2) Coenzymes are organic molecules that work in concert with enzymes to utilize vitamins and minerals in the body. They’re essential to healthy metabolism.

Sources of B complex

Although prevalent in many foods, natural sources high in B complex vitamins include meat and dairy products.

o Dark green, leafy vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid (B9).

o Cobalamin (B12 – essential to healthy red blood cell count) can be derived only from animal sources. For this reason, strict vegetarians are encouraged toward B complex supplementation.

Unless some type of deficiency is present, or an individual has a problem absorbing B complex vitamins, sufficient amounts of B complex vitamins can be obtained from diet alone. However, B complex supplements are used every day by millions looking to balance diet.

B complex health benefits and claims

B vitamins serve a wide range of health functions. They work both together and separately to ensure a healthy metabolism and aid the body in absorbing and utilizing nutrients. B complex vitamins help maintain the outer cover of nerve cells (myelin) and assist in converting nutrients to energy.

o Together, three members of the B complex group, pyridoxine, cobalamin and folic acid, have been scientifically proven to lower blood homocysteine, a toxic by-product of cellular metabolism associated with heart problems.*

o Research links B complex vitamins to a decrease in neural tube defects and are associated with healthy immune function and normal cell growth and hormone production. B complex may also play a role in fighting free radicals that result in signs of aging. B complex vitamins are said to be essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.*

o Thiamine (B1) is said to be supportive of cognitive function in both younger and older persons.*

o Niacin (B3) may help balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, resulting in healthy blood glucose levels.*

o Riboflavin (B2) supplementation has been linked to decrease in frequency for those suffering regularly from migraine headaches.*

o Mood problems and mental acuity may be improved through cobalamin (B12) supplementation.

*Statement not evaluated by FDA.

RDI or RDA of B complex

There is no one figure that denotes the cumulative RDA or RDI of B complex vitamins. Each B vitamin has its own recommendation, which varies from source to source and is based on age, gender, overall health and alcohol and nicotine consumption. Some B vitamins such as inositol and choline have no standard RDA or RDI. Because the balance of B complex in the body is often crucial to good health and a deficiency or too high level of any B vitamin might lead to a number of disorders, nutritionists suggest that healthy people refer to charts that exhibit conservative B complex intakes. Others who may be suffering from too much or not enough B complex should consult a physician regarding intake. A preferred Internet source for B complex supplementation amounts is the USDA National Agriculture Library at www.nal.usda.gov/.

B complex deficiency and symptoms

Because B complex vitamins occur in food in abundance, two prevalent ways to become deficient in B complex vitamins are a poor dietary intake of foods which contain B complex vitamins and physical problems absorbing B complex vitamins.

o Poor dietary intake of B complex vitamins (most frequent among strict vegetarians and the malnourished) can be offset with vitamin B supplementation.

o Poor absorption of B complex vitamins may result from thyroid dysfunction and the lack of Intrinsic Factor in the stomach (common to the elderly and those who abuse alcohol and tobacco).

B complex deficiency can occur at varied levels in different individuals. Signs include poor skin, hair and nail health, memory loss, nervousness, profound fatigue, sleep disturbances, nausea, poor appetite, frequent infections and mood disorders. It’s advisable to search the Internet for more extensive information regarding the specifics of B complex vitamin deficiency or consult a nutritionist or physician.

B complex toxicity and adverse effects

For the most part, excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins, such as B complex vitamins, are excreted as waste when not used by the body for energy, resulting in little chance of toxicity when taken in large amounts. Adverse effects of B complex vitamins have been reported as rare and minor. Literature does suggest, however, that:

o Too high levels of niacin (B3) in the body may result in inflammation of the liver and high blood sugar levels.

o High doses of pyridoxine (B6) may inflame the liver as well and damage nerve cells.

It is advisable for those with high blood pressure, chronic health conditions or individuals who take seizure medications to consult a physician prior to starting a regimen of B complex supplementation, as certain drug interactions may result.

Clinical studies and B complex research

Although B complex supplementation is well positioned in the marketplace as a health benefit, findings from both animal and human studies differ and are suggestive. Research uncovered in a report entitled “B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders” published by the Department of Health & Human Services shows that while animals kept deficient in folate (B12) may suffer from neurological damage in the long term, humans showed little to no positive neural response when given folate supplements vs. placebo.

Reports published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest:

o That despite reports of B complex vitamins as human brain food, more recent clinical evidence shows no marked improvement in thinking function, memory or overall cognitive awareness in human studies.

o Notwithstanding its ability to lower dangerously high levels of homocysteine (1) in the blood, B complex may have no positive impact on the cardiovascular health of high risk patients.

B complex efficacy and the FDA

The FDA goes as far as to allow dietary supplements that contain folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 a qualified health claim that suggest these B complex vitamins may have health merits – but the evidence is inconclusive. Regardless, research indicates more benefits than risks with B complex supplementation because toxicity and overdose are highly improbable.

For more information on B Complex vitamins, visit www.VitaCost.com/Vitamins/Vitamin-B-Complex

References

1. Vitamin B Complex. Rebecca J. Frey, Ph.D. and Samuel Uretsky, Pharm.D. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 4 vols. Updated July 1, 2006.

2. WebMD Medicine.net. Vitamins / Enzymes. 2007.

3. B Vitamins Don’t Guard Mental Function. Harvard Reviews of Health News. May 11, 2007 pNA.

4. B Vitamins Don’t Prevent Heart Attacks. Harvard Reviews of Health News. May 11, 2007 pNA.

5. B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. April 2006.

6. Acu-Cell Nutrition. DRI / RDA for B-Complex Vitamins 2007. www.acu-cell.com/bx2.html

7. B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services April 2006.

Vitamins are vital for your health and help your body perform a number of essential functions. Despite this many people do not consume enough of them on a daily basis which is largely down to poor dietary choices. In this article I am going to discuss this topic in greater detail by outlining four negative vitamin deficiency symptoms.

1) BLOOD PROBLEMS:- A lack of vitamin B9, B12 and E can cause various types of anemia to develop. A vitamin B9 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia (a condition where your body produces fewer, larger red blood cells). Not getting enough vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia (a type of anemia that has similar characteristics to macrocytic anemia). A lack of vitamin E causes hemolytic anemia (a condition where your blood cells become very delicate and are destroyed faster than your body can produce them).

2) BONE PROBLEMS:- Being deficient in vitamin D and K can lead to various bone related problems. A vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets and osteomalacia (two conditions which cause your bones to become soft and bend, swell and fracture more easily). Not getting enough vitamin K can lead to osteoporosis (a condition where your bones density is reduced meaning that they are more likely to fracture).

3) SKIN PROBLEMS:- Not getting enough vitamin B2, B6, B7 or E can cause a variety of skin problem. A vitamin B2 deficiency can make your skin become dry, greasy or scaly. A lack of vitamin B6 can make your lips crack. Not getting enough vitamin B7 can lead to the development of dry skin, rashes and even fungal infections. Not consuming enough vitamin E can cause age spots (brown pigmentations on the skin) to develop.

4) VISION PROBLEMS:- A vitamin A deficiency can cause damage to your eyes which ultimately leads to problems with your vision. In most cases night blindness (a condition that makes it very difficult to see in dim light) is the first symptom of vitamin A deficiency. However, if left untreated night blindness can develop into full blindness.

As you can see there are many unpleasant vitamin deficiency symptoms. Without vitamins your body cannot function properly and as a result cell production starts to suffer. This then affects your blood, your bones, your skin and more. To avoid this you need to make sure you are consuming enough of each of the thirteen vitamins. Take a look at your current diet and see which vitamins you are not consuming enough of. Then address the balance by incorporating some new foods into your diet. This will ensure that you avoid all the negative vitamin deficiency symptoms discussed this article whilst enjoying the full benefits that the thirteen vitamins can provide.

Anemia is a word recognised by many people but maybe not fully understood. If you are anaemic you either don’t have enough red blood cells or you have enough red blood cells but they can’t carry enough oxygen. You will often feel faint, short of breath and unusually tired and lethargic.

The main causes of anemia are loss of blood, not enough red cell production or faster destruction than manufacture of red blood cells.

Your red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin inside which carries oxygen round the body. So they are vital to your everyday health.

There are different types of anemia depending on the cause. Probably the most common is iron deficiency Anemia caused by blood loss and which commonly affects women with heavy periods.

A second common type is pernicious anemia. This happens when your body can’t make enough red blood cells due to poor absorption of vitamin B12. It can be due to a lack of a vital protein called intrinsic factor without which the body cannot absorb B12. It also occurs in a poor diet, especially when combined with alcohol problems.

Anemia of any causes will give you symptoms such as excessive shortness of breath, lethargy, fatigue, very pale complexion, cold hands and feet and possibly chest pain. They are all fairly vague but a doctor should soon pick up and diagnose your problems.

It is diagnosed with a simple blood test, which will also help your doctor decide which type of anemia you have and the appropriate treatment.

For iron deficiency the treatment is to reduce the loss of blood, if possible and to increase your iron intake. This could be by taking iron tablets or by changing your diet. Iron rich foods include green leafy vegetables, red meat, eggs, nuts and beans.

Pernicious anemia is treated with monthly vitamin B12 injections. If poor diet or alcohol is also a problem then reducing the alcohol and eating healthier foods such as fortified breakfast cereals, meat, liver, eggs and cheese will help increase your B12 intake and improve the anemia.

Anemia refers to a condition that means lack of blood. It is the most common blood disorder that occurs when the quantity of red blood cells decreases in the body. These red blood cells contain hemoglobin- the red colouring matter, a protein and are composed of an organic compound called “heme”. Hemoglobin helps the red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. The formation of hemoglobin depends on adequate dietary supplies of iron and protein. Red cells have a lifespan of about 120 days and are daily destroyed and repaired. Each and every person should have 100 per cent hemoglobin and a blood count of five million red cells per millimeter.

Types of anemia

1. Iron deficiency anemia: It is the most common types of anemia. Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin, when there is less iron in the body it causes iron deficiency anemia.

2. Aplastic anemia: When body stops making enough red blood cells and chances of infections increases.

3. Vitamin deficiency anemia: This is also termed as megaloblastic anemia. This is caused due to the deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. In this type of anemia the red blood cells made by the body are not able to carry oxygen properly to lungs and other parts.

4. Inherited blood disease: Sickle cell anemia is an inherited anemia that is transferred through genes. In the sickle cell anemia the cells block the organs from getting proper circulation of blood. The other inherited disease is thalassemia. When the body is missing certain genes or when different genes that are not normal are passed down from parents to the kins affects the procedure the body uses to make hemoglobin.

5. Underlying diseases: Certain diseases or condition can affect the formation of red blood cells. Like in kidney failure one is on dialysis and kidney is not in the condition to produce hormones that are required for iron absorption.

6. Pernicious anemia: When body is not able to absorb vitamin B12 from the foods, the condition is known as pernicious anemia. This vitamin is also produced by the bacteria in large intestine but is not absorbed into the blood stream.

Causes

The two main causes of anemia are the reduced or low formation of red blood cell and heavy loss of blood due to injury, heavy menstruation and bleeding piles. Any defect in the bone marrow or an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins and proteins results in low formation of red blood cells. The lack of hydrochloric acid that is required for digestion of iron and proteins also causes anemia. Use of drugs that inactive the nutrients needed in building cells also results in anemia. Various chronic diseases like tuberculosis, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis may cause anemia. Presence of intestinal parasites that feed on the vitamins and other nutrients also leads to anemia.

Home Remedies

1. Eating 2-3 apples daily helps in increasing iron content in the body.

2. A liberal intake of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is necessary for the proper absorption of iron. Two citrus fruits are recommended daily.

3. Vitamin B12 is necessary for both preventing and curing anemia. The rich sources of this vitamin are animal protein and organic meats like kidney and liver. The other good sources of vitamin B12 are dairy products, wheat germ, peanuts and soybean. The daily recommended dose is 2.2 microgram.

4. Tea and coffee should be avoided as they hinder with the iron absorption.

5. Beets are very important in the cure of anemia. Its juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and P.

6. A cold-water bath is the valuable method in curing anemia. Two baths are recommended daily.

7. Cold friction and hot Epsom baths for 5-10 minutes once a week are recommended.

8. Sunbaths are also beneficial as sunlight stimulates the production of red cells.

9. 3-4 dried figs are recommended a day for anemic person’s.

10. Honey also plays an important role in improving the health. Lemon and honey or apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial when taken during morning.

11. Massaging the body daily also helps to keep the blood level in the body high.

12. Deep breathing and light exercise like walking also tones up the system and increases the blood level.

13. Various yoga asanas like sarvangasana, paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana are also beneficial.