I finally finished the B12 book. While it's about B12 deficiency in humans, as I read it I kept wondering how much of this information can also be applied to cats. So here are things that caught my attention:
- CRF: Chronic Renal Failure patients apparently have a high mortality rate, mostly due to cardiovascular disease, one of the signs of which is high homocysteine levels. B12 plays a very important role in keeping homocysteine levels down. Just for fits and giggles, I checked Dr. Hodgkins’ book, “Your Cat” and she states
“Cats receiving fluid supplementation as part of their CRD treatment protocol should have potassium and B-vitamin supplementation as well. This is because the increased fluid flow through the kidneys in these patients can cause excessive loss of potassium and the water-soluble B vitamins from the body.” (pg. 222)
- Spirulina. After the Wellness recall earlier this year, which was due to low amounts of a B vitamin in the mix, I began adding spirulina to Pookie’s food (spirulina is an algae that is supposedly very high in B vitamins). I didn’t do it for very long, and don’t remember why I stopped, but I doubt I’ll be adding it back in because while reading this book I discovered that while
“laboratory tests showed significant amounts of the vitamin in these plants” [meaning spirulina, tempeh (fermented soy) and nori (a seaweed)] . . .
“Newer reseach . . . shows that the tests are primarily detecting “pseudo-vitamin B12” analogues that may actually block the uptake of real B12.” (pg. 123-124)
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“One consequence of an immune system damaged by low B12 is cancer.” Pg. 152. B12 deficiency
“also puts you at higher risk for certain cancers . . . Pernicious anemia, the classic form of vitamin B12 deficiency, is a strong risk for stomach cancer . . .” pg. 22. This is just speculation on my part, but I wonder if there is an increased risk in IBD kitties or kitties with other GI problems, because they’re not absorbing the B12 as well, which may make them deficient and compromise their immune system.
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“B12 deficiency appears to make the body react abnormally to vaccines . . .” A study done on elderly hospital patients who were vaccinated for pneumonia showed that those who were not B12 deficient had higher antibody levels after vaccination, than those who were deficient.
“Moreover, since any vaccination can adversely affect individuals with impaired immune systems, we speculate that B12 deficiency may play a key role in some of the thousands of severe reactions to immunizations that occur each year. Individuals who are B12 deficient are vulnerable to adverse reactions to immunizations, because their immune systems are impaired.” Pg. 152
- Avoid using vaccines that contain mercury (thimerosal), because it interferes
“with folate-dependent methylcobalamin by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the active form of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). Using high-dose B12 pre- and post-vaccination may be another option.” Pg. 255. I’m not going to pretend I understand what that means, but it certainly isn’t good. Many of the vaccines used in animals contain thimerosal and adjuvants. If possible, please be sure to use a vaccine like PureVax that does not contain these things. Or, if that’s not an option, perhaps ask for a B12 shot before and after vaccination as mentioned above. Just my 2 cents.
- Hyperthyroid: Pernicious anemia is an auto-immune disease that runs in families and can be a cause of B12 deficiency.
“People with this condition are at increased risk of acquiring other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid autoimmune disorders . . .” “Other autoimmune disorders associated with pernicious anemia include . . . hypoparathyroidism . . .” pg. 159. Okay, I’m not saying cats have pernicious anemia, but I do find it interesting that there is a possible link between B12 deficiency and thyroid disease.
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“Diabetic neuropathy mimics B12 deficiency neuropathy.” Pg. 183. Check this out:
http://laurieulrich.com/jasper/- Nitrous Oxide, or “laughing gas,” which is a common anesthesia, inactivates B12 in the body. I have no idea if it’s used in vet offices for surgeries or dental cleanings, but it might be a good idea to ask, and if it is, to request a different anesthetic.
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“Microwaving partially destroys B12 . . .” pg 255. So for folks like me who were warming their kitty’s canned food in the microwave, keep in mind that you may be destroying at least one (if not more) important nutrient in the process.