The Link between Celiac Disease and B Vitamin ... - blog*spot

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It?s common to hear about B vitamins being used for the treatment of a variety of ailments. ?Stressed out? Take B vitamins!? ?Fatigued? Take B vitamins!?

But have you ever wondered if you have enough of these vitamins and what, if anything could be minimizing your body's ability to absorb them?

B vitamins are a family of vitamins that are water-soluble. They are vital to cell metabolism (the process of our cells getting energy from the food we eat and using it to fuel our body?s life processes).

There is not just one B vitamin, but instead a complex of B vitamins that our bodies need. This family of vitamins works individually and as a group to perform a number of vital roles.?

However, we live in a society where stress is all too common; and a common side effect of stress is poor digestion and a leaky gut. ?There are also several conditions that lead to poor digestion and malabsorption, such as celiac disease. ?People with celiac disease, especially, have issues with nutrient malabsorption and therefore, it is important ?to ?understand the role of B vitamins and symptoms of B vitamin deficiency.

B vitamins can be referred to by their numbers (B1, B3, or B12, or their actual names. The most commonly used names are:

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
• Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Each of these vitamins works differently and deficiencies of each individual vitamin have different sets of symptoms.?

In general, B vitamins are critical to maintain the following:

• Healthy skin, hair and muscles
• Nervous system function, including brain and memory
• Immune system
• Healthy rate of metabolism
• Cell growth and division
• Optimal neurotransmitter activity
• Healthy fetal development

The Important Role of B Vitamins for Celiac Disease

Deficiencies in this family of vitamins can be dangerous and even deadly, with side effects ranging from acne on the less severe end of the spectrum to psychosis on the extreme end of the spectrum. B vitamins help prevent anemia, heart disease, and birth defects, while helping to regulate blood glucose, mood and mental health. A B-complex supplement is often used for stress, ADHD, memory issues, migraines, PMS, fatigue and more.

Because B vitamins are water-soluble, we are constantly excreting B vitamins in our urine and need to consume them on a daily basis through our diet and in some cases through supplementation.

The Effects of Celiac Disease on B Vitamin Levels

Celiac disease greatly impairs the body?s ability to absorb many nutrients, and can cause B vitamin deficiency. B vitamin deficiencies frequently cause anemia, as folic acid and vitamin B12 are required to prevent anemia and are often not adequately absorbed in celiacs.

A study by Hallert et al. shows that over 50% of celiacs who have been complying with the gluten-free diet for over 10 years have elevated blood levels of homocysteine, suggesting significant B vitamin deficiency.

The Benefits of Finding a Celiac-Specific B Vitamin Nutritional Supplement

While a gluten-free diet will slowly help restore normal nutrient absorption, research suggests that not all celiacs will regain normal nutrient absorption even years down the line. During the healing process, celiacs typically require a higher intake of many nutrients, including the B-complex vitamins. B vitamin supplementation can help prevent the development of chronic disease and may even help remediate some of the negative symptoms of celiac disease, such as fatigue and neurological issues. B vitamin supplementation can also help remediate megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by deficiencies in either vitamin B12, folic acid, or both.

While the gluten-free diet is the most important step you can take on your way to a full and healthy life with celiac disease, there is no reason to stop there. For many people with celiac disease, finding a good supplement that contains B-complex vitamins can dramatically improve overall health and energy levels.

Source: http://earthandwaterwellness.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-link-between-celiac-disease-and-b.html

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