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  • Could A Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

    Note: The following article is the result of research done by Dr. Myatt, sponsored by the good people at ProHealth – www.ProHealth.com – they have a large body of CFS information available on their website.

    An excellent product containing all 4 forms of B-12 can be found here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/BExtreme.htm

    Could This Common Vitamin Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

    Less than 20 years ago, patients complaining of fatigue were often given a “tonic shot” by their doctor. Many people claimed this worked like magic to improve their energy levels. What was this miracle tonic? A simple injection of vitamin B-12. Although the practice of administering vitamin B-12 injections has fallen out of favor, modern medical science now understands why vitamin B-12 supplementation makes people feel better, and the reasons extend far beyond just the “placebo effect” of receiving a shot.

    The Vitamin 12 / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Connection

    The symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency bear a disturbing resemblance to many CFS symptoms. In fact, the symptoms of B-12 deficiency and CFS overlap to such a great extent that many respected CFS researchers and physicians — including Drs. Paul Cheney, Charles Lapp, Dale Guyer, Kenny De Meirleir, Jay Goldstein, Michael E. Rosenbaum, Jacob Teitelbaum, and Martin Pall — consider vitamin B-12 a mainstay of CFS treatment. (1-6)

    Symptoms of B-12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, confusion and other memory problems, and bowel disorders. (7,8,9) Symptoms of CFS also include fatigue, weakness, memory and/or concentration problems and bowel disorders. (10) Is it any wonder that specialists place so much importance on the vitamin B-12 status of their CFS patients?

    But the problems associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency, and the potential benefits of correcting B-12 deficiencies, extend far beyond its use in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

    The Far-Reaching Effects of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

    Vitamin B-12, called “cobalamin” because it contains the mineral cobalt, is required for a staggering number of physical functions and chemical reactions.

    Best known for its participation in the manufacture of red blood cells, B-12 is also needed for production and maintenance of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves and for production of DNA, the genetic material of all cells (7,8,11,12). And that’s just the beginning.

    The serious health consequences vitamin B-12 deficiency can adversely affect nearly every system in the body.

    • Energy. Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. (7,8,9)
    • The Nervous System. Deficiencies of B-12 can cause neurological changes including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (13,14), balance problems, depression, confusion, poor memory and Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. (15) Long-term deficiencies of B-12 can result in permanent impairment of the nervous system. (16, 70,71)
    • The Gastro-Intestinal System. B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation / diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain. (7,8,9)
    • The Immune System. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal functioning of white blood cells. (17) Studies show that B-12 helps regulate Natural-Killer T-cells (18) and prevents chromosome damage. (19)
    • The Cardiovascular System. Vitamin B-12 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis. Without adequate B-12 levels, homocysteine levels typically rise. (20-32)
    • Special Senses: degenerative changes in the central nervous system caused by B-12 deficiency can also affect the optic nerve, resulting in blue-yellow color blindness. (33)
    • Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include sore mouth or tongue (34)
    • In Infants and Children, signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia. (35)

    With so many physical functions at risk, it is easy to understand why knowledgeable clinicians and researchers consider B-12 supplementation a mainstay of therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, neurological disorders, cardiovascular health and more.Are You At Risk for a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?Medical science once believed that few people were vitamin B-12 deficient. This false assumption may stem from the fact that vitamin B-12 is produced in the body by a normal, healthy population of bowel bacterial.

    Secondly, unlike other water-soluble vitamins, B-12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other tissues. Deficiencies of B-12 often appear so slowly and subtly as to go unnoticed, and blood tests for vitamin B-12 levels miss early deficiency states at least 50% of the time. (36, 37)

    So, who is at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency? Recent research shows that a much larger segment of the population is likely deficient than previously thought.

    Because assimilation of vitamin B-12 from food requires adequate stomach acid and intrinsic factor, and because stomach acid typically declines with age, people over 50 were once thought to be the biggest “at risk” population for B-12 deficiency. Previous studies showed 3-39% of seniors to be vitamin B-12 deficient (36,37,38), but newer studies suggest that number may be as high as 72%-78%. (39,78)

    Vegetarians and vegans are another population believed to be at high risk for B-12 deficiency, in part because of low animal food intake of vitamin B-12 and also because many vegetable sources such as seaweed must be consumed in large amounts in order to provide adequate vitamin B-12. (38,40)

    Other high -risk groups for B-12 deficiency include those who use acid-blocking or neutralizing drugs (such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and others) (41-44), drugs which impair intestinal absorption (such as Metformin, Questron and Chloromycetin) (45), and people who have had gastric surgery (46,47). Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, which occurs frequently in people with low stomach acid, is a predisposing factor for B-12 deficiency because the bacteria themselves use vitamin B-12. (48,49)

    The most recent and disturbing studies suggest that vitamin B-12 deficiency is more prevalent in young adults than previously thought. (50,75). One study found that vitamin B-12 deficiency was similar in three age groups (26-49 years, 50-64 years, and 65 years and older), but that early symptoms were simply less apparent in the young. This study also found that those who did not take a vitamin B-12- containing supplement were twice as likely to be deficient as supplement users, regardless of age. (50)

    Four Forms of B-12 — Which One is Best?

    Cobalamin is a collective term for four closely related forms of B-12 — cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide).

    Cyanocobalamin, the most common form of B-12 found in nutritional supplements, has the lowest biological activity and must be converted in the liver to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be utilized.

    Because it can be converted to other forms of B-12, cyanocobalamin can be considered the “mother form” of B-12. However, this conversion is inefficient and some people may not benefit cyanocobalamin due to lack of assimilation or conversion. (51,52)

    Methylcobalamin is considered by many researchers to be the most active form of vitamin B-12. (53) It protects the nervous system by regulating glutamate- induced neuronal damage (common in aging) (54,55) and promoting nerve cell regeneration. (56)

    Methylcobalamin is the only form of vitamin B-12 that participates in regulating circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles). It has been shown to improve sleep quality and refreshment from sleep, as well as increasing feelings of well-being, concentration and alertness.(57)

    Adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide), the second highly active form of vitamin B-12, is essential for energy metabolism.(58) It is required for normal myelin sheath formation and nucleoprotein synthesis. Deficiencies are associated with nerve and spinal cord degeneration. (59,60)

    Hydroxocobalamin is a unique form of B-12 that participates in detoxification, especially cyanide detoxification. Cyanide levels are often elevated in smokers, people who eat cyanide-containing food (like cassava) and those with certain metabolic defects.

    Excess cyanide in the tissues blocks conversion of cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin. In such instances, hydroxocobalamin may be the vitamin B-12 of choice. (61,62) Hydroxycobalamin is FDA- approved as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. (63)

    Given the subtle yet important differences between these forms of B-12, an ideal formula might be one which contains all four forms.Oral Vs. Injectable: Which Delivery System is Preferred?Although many people including some physicians still believe that injectable vitamin B-12 is the preferred route of administration, it is well-known and widely accepted that oral vitamin B-12 is equally as effective as injection in treating pernicious anemia and other B-12 deficient states. (63-67, 77)

    Conclusions and Recommendations

    Vitamin B-12 deficiency is far more widespread than previously thought, with up to 30% of young people affected and possibly as many as 78% of the over 50 population suffering from deficiency (36,37,38,39, 78). Those at special risk include seniors, vegetarians and vegans, people taking acid-neutralizing drugs or various other drugs (36,37,38,39) and patients with cognitive impairment (68). The US Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over 50 obtain their vitamin B-12 from supplements. (69)

    Because symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency often manifest months or years before B-12 blood tests become abnormal, early deficiencies are often missed. (36,37)

    Symptoms and side effects of B-12 deficiency are many and varied, can mimic other diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and can produce irreversible changes of the nervous system if not corrected early. (70,71,76)

    Oral vitamin B-12 supplementation is extremely safe (72,76), as effective as injections, (67,73-74) comparatively inexpensive and more convenient than injections (67). Those at risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency or with symptoms suggestive of B-12 deficiency should consider adding this important nutrient to their supplement protocol.

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  • Twenty-Five Surprising Benefits of a Dietary

    By Dr. Myatt

    [The fully referenced version of this article can be found at: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/Fiber25Benefits.htm]

    It’s not a “sexy supplement” or a “new breakthrough.” In fact, it’s not even officially classified as a nutrient. But Americans get only 10% of the amount we consumed 100 years ago, and our health may be seriously suffering as a result.

    That is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

    “Fiber” refers to a number of indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of plants. Humans lack enzymes to break down most types of fiber, so they pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged and do not provide nutrients or significant calories.

    In spite of this indigestibility, fiber has a surprising number of health benefits. In fact, consuming adequate daily fiber may be one of the most important health measures anyone can take.

    Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

    There are numerous “sub-classes” of fiber, but the two main types are I.) soluble and II.) insoluble fiber. Both types are beneficial to health and both typically occur together in nature. They each offer independent health benefits. Here are twenty-five known health benefits that fiber provides.

    Bowel Benefits:

    1.) Relieves constipation. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the colon. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Most people who increase fiber intake will notice improved bowel function in 31-39 hours.

    2.) Relieves diarrhea. It may seem paradoxical that a substance which helps constipation also helps diarrhea, but that’s just what fiber does. Insoluble fiber binds watery stool in the colon, helping turn “watery” into “formed.” Fiber is known to offer significant improvement to those with diarrhea.

    3.) Helps prevent hemorrhoids. Constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Because fiber-rich stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary. Diets high in fiber have been shown to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids.

    4.) Reduces risk of diverticular disease. In cultures that consume high-fiber diets, diverticular disease is relatively unknown. That’s because high fiber intake “exercises” the colon, prevents excess bowel gas and absorbs toxins, all of which lead to the “bowel herniation” disease known as diverticulitis. Increased fiber intake is currently recommended in Western medicine as primary prevention for the disease.

    5.) Helps Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation/diarrhea. Regardless of type, increased fiber intake has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.

    6.) Improves bowel flora. “Flora” refers to the “good bugs” (healthy bacteria) that colonize the large intestine (colon). Antibiotics, drugs, food allergies, high sugar diets and junk food alter this “bowel garden” in favor of the “bad bugs.” Certain types of fiber are rich in substances the “feed” bowel flora and help keep the balance of good bacteria in the colon at a normal level.

    7.) Helps prevent colon cancer. Although research has been controversial, observational studies in the 1970s showed that African natives consuming high-fiber diets had a much lower incidence of colorectal carcinoma. Since the “risk” of increased fiber consumption is so small, the “US Pharmacist,” states…

    “…with no clearly negative data about fiber, it makes sense to increase fiber intake just in case the positive studies did reveal an actual link. The patient will also experience the ancillary benefits of fiber consumption, such as reduction in cholesterol (with psyllium), prevention of constipation, and reducing risk of hemorrhoids.”

    8.) Appendicitis: studies show a correlation between the development of appendicitis and low fiber intake. A diet high in fiber may help prevent appendicitis.

    Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits! Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

    9.) Lowers Total cholesterol. According to the FDA, soluble fiber meets the standard for reduction of risk from coronary heart disease. Psyllium husk is also able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as it contains a soluble fiber similar to beta-glucan.

    10.) Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.

    11.) Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.

    12.) Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.

    13.) Aids Weight loss. Fiber helps prevent weight gain and assists weight loss several ways. The “bulking action” of fiber leads to an earlier feeling of satiety, meaning that one feels satisfied with less high-calorie food when the meal contains a lot of fiber. Fiber helps bind and absorb dietary fat, making it less available for assimilation. This means that some fat may be “lost” through the digestive tract when the meal is high in insoluble fiber.

    14.) Lowers Overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Perhaps because of a combination of the above-listed lipid-normalizing factors, some studies have shown an overall protective effect of higher fiber intake against coronary heart disease.

    Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

    15.) Helps Type I Diabetes. Eaten with meals, high-fiber supplements like guar gum reduced the rise in blood sugar following meals in people with type 1 diabetes. In one trial, a low-glycemic-index diet containing 50 grams of daily fiber improved blood sugar control and helped prevent hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes taking two or more insulin injections per day.

    16.) Improves Type II Diabetes. High-fiber diets have been shown to work better in controlling diabetes than the AmericanDiabeticAssociation (ADA)-recommended diet, and may control blood sugar levels as well as oral diabetic drugs.

    One study compared participants eating the the ADA diet (supplying 24 grams of daily fiber) or a high-fiber diet (containing 50 grams daily fiber) for six weeks. Those eating the high-fiber diet for six weeks had an average 10% lower glucose level than people eating the ADA diet. Insulin levels were 12% lower in the high-fiber group compared to those in the ADA diet group. The high fiber group also had decreased  glycosylated hemoglobin levels, a measure of long-term blood glucose regulation.

    High-fiber supplements such as psyllium, (38)guar gum (39) and pectin (40) have shown improved glucose tolerance.

    More systemic benefits of fiber:

    17.) Gallstone prevention. Rapid digestion of carbohydrates leads to fast release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin. High insulin levels contribute to gallstone formation. Because dietary fiber slows the release of carbohydrates (and corresponding insulin), fiber helps prevent gallstone formation.

    18.) Kidney stone prevention. Low intakes of dietary fiber have been found to correlate with increased kidney stone formation, and higher intakes of fiber appear to be protective against stone formation.

    19.) Varicose veins. “Straining at stool” caused by fiber-deficiency constipation, has been found in some studies to cause varicose veins. Populations with lower fiber intakes have higher rates of varicosities.

    Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

    20.) Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

    21.) Breast cancer prevention. Higher fiber diets are associated with lower breast cancer risk. Some studies have shown up to a 50% decreased risk with higher fiber intakes. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  breast cancer reoccurrence.

    22.) Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.

    23.) Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.

    24.) Prostate cancer prevention. Diets higher in fiber may be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  prostate cancer reoccurrence.

    25.) Cancer prevention in general. Some studies have found that high fiber diets help prevent cancer in general, regardless of type.

    Recommendations vs. Reality

    The average daily American fiber intake is estimated at 14 to 15 g, significantly less than the American Dietetic Association recommendation of 20 to 35 g for adults, 25 g daily for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 g for boys ages 9 through 18. The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.

    Based on dietary intakes of long-lived populations (who typically consume 40-60 grams or more of fiber per day), many holistic physicians recommend aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of daily fiber.

    In my clinical experience, I find that most people over-estimate their fiber intake because they are unaware of the fiber content of many of the foods they eat (see http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/rate_your_plate.htm).

    Since fiber has proven itself to be such an important “non nutrient” for good health, increased dietary consumption and/or supplementation can be considered a wise choice for optimal health and disease prevention.

  • Maxi Fiber is now EZ Fiber

    –NEW - Ez Fiber Still The Best-Tasting, Most Complete Fiber Available –

    Great News! Maxi Fiber, one of Dr. Myatt’s most popular products, has been licensed to a major supplement manufacturer. This means that Dr. Myatt no longer sells Maxi Fiber in the small containers, but now offers the same great product (exactly the same!) in a larger container for your convenience. The old Maxi Fiber provided 30 servings per container and the new product EZ Fiber comes in a 60 serving container for only 39.95

  • A Dozen Proven Reasons to take a Good Multiple Vitamin

    A Dozen Proven Reasons to take a Good Multiple Vitamin

    By Dr. Dana Myatt

    While conventional medicine and newspaper headlines continue to tell us that nutritional supplementation isn’t important, the results of medical research shows just the opposite. Here are twelve recent medical findings that should convince you to keep taking a high-quality, optimal potency multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. If you’re not sure what an “optimal potency” formula consists of or what you should be taking for your age and sex, refer to The Wellness Club web site’s nutritional supplements page for an up-to-date ingredient list and optimal dose recommendations.

    1. Harvard researchers have found that sub-optimal levels of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 are a risk factor for heart disease and colon and breast cancers. (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) June 19, 2002)
    2. A six-month study showing that folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 helped prevent recurrence of blocked arteries in patients who have undergone coronary angioplasty. (Journal of the American Medical Association, August 28, 2002).
    3. Vitamin K is a critical nutrient for skeletal integrity, with evidence of vitamin K1 supplementation reducing bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women and a significant positive relationship between vitamin K status and indices of bone health in men. (24th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, September 20 – 24, 2002, San Antonio, Texas)
    4. Alzheimer’s disease: Association with zinc deficiency and cerebral vitamin B12 deficiency. (Journal of Orthol. Psychiatry (CANADA), 1984, 13/2 (97-104))
      Supplementation of the elderly with       vitamin E has been shown to enhance immune response, delay onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and increase resistance to oxidative injury associated with exercise. (Proc Nutr Soc. 2002;61:165-171)
      Vitamin E intake      , from foods or supplements, is associated with less cognitive decline with age. Arch Neurol. 2002;59:1125-1132
    5. Researchers at Cambridge University in England looked at serum vitamin C and how long people lived. People who had the lowest levels of vitamin C were twice as likely to die compared to those with the highest serum vitamin C levels. This study was based on the findings from over 19,000 people. (Lancet 2001; 357:657-63)
    6. 26.4% of esophageal and gastric cancers are attributable to low selenium levels. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Mark et al., 2000)
    7. Calcium supplementation is associated with a significant – though moderate – reduction in the risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas. The effect of calcium was independent of initial dietary fat and calcium intake. (N Engl J Med (United States) Jan 14 1999, 340 (2) p101-7.)
    8. Data from the Nurses’ Health Study conducted at the Harvard Medical School showed that long-term supplementation with folic acid reduces the risk of colon cancer by 75% in women! 90,000 women participated in the Nurses’ Health Study, making this and especially significant finding. The authors of this study explained that folic acid obtained from supplements had a stronger protective effect against colon cancer than folic acid consumed in the diet. (Annals of Internal Medicine (1998; 129:517-524)
    9. Regarding asthma, the lowest intakes of vitamin C and manganese (a trace mineral not to be confused with magnesium) were associated with more than five-fold increased risks of bronchial reactivity. Decreasing intakes of magnesium were also significantly associated with an increased risk of hyper-reactivity. (Thorax (United Kingdom), 1997, 52/2 (166-170)).
    10. Antioxidant supplements reduce the risk of cataract. One study in the evaluated 410 men for 3 years to ascertain the association between serum vitamin E and the development of cortical lens opacities (cataracts). The men with the lowest level of serum vitamin E had a 3.7 times greater risk of this form of cataract compared to men with the highest serum level of vitamin E. (American Journal of Epidemiology Sept. 1996)
    11. Encouraging moderate exercise and dietary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D… are the major nonpharmacological management measures used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. (Drugs and Aging (New Zealand), 1996, 9/6 (472-477)
    12. Nutrient intake of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is deficient in pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), zinc, copper, and magnesium. (Journal of Rheumatology (Canada), 1996, 23/6 (990-994))

    More Research Supporting Benefits of Antioxidants

    By Allen S. Josephs, M.D.
    President, Vitacost.com

    “    Recent studies further support the need for antioxidants and other nutrients to protect against cell damage, and in some cases even reduce risks of certain forms of cancer. One medical study had very promising results when participants were given a daily dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium. Most multivitamins on the market do not qualify as good because they lack so many important antioxidants and/or use inadequate levels and forms.”

  • Niacin For Cholesterol Control – Is Flush-Free Or Regular Niacin Better?

     With the constant barrage of strident warnings from Big Pharma about  the dangers of “high cholesterol” (all intended to sell expensive and profitable statin drugs) it is no wonder that we receive many questions about natural treatments and controls for cholesterol levels. We have written about this topic often – see our articles The Bacon and Egg Cure for High Cholesterol , LDL Cholesterol: Another Big Fat Lie, and Lower Cholesterol Naturally  for plenty of great information on this subject.

    Doug recently wrote with a straightforward question that occasionally comes up:

    In my research of niacin therapy to positively affect your LDL and HDL levels, I have read conflicting statements about the use of flushing vs. non-flushing forms of niacin.  I am currently taking 1000 mg./day of the non-flush niacin; but if the flushing type is more effective, I want to use whatever will provide the best results.
     Thanks, Doug

    To which Dr. Myatt replied:

    Hi Doug:Both niacin and flush-free appear to work as well. Niacinamide does not help lipid levels.

    Do NOT use timed-release niacin; it is toxic to the liver.

    In Health,
    Dr. Myatt

    Since we have found that the Flush Free form of niacin is so much better tolerated by our patients, and works as well as the regular form, we offer only Flush Free Niacin. As we have explained before, this natural substance has a far better track record of safety and effectiveness than any of the statin drugs, and provides long-lasting heart health benefits; we consider it to be the first choice for cholesterol control.