Vitamin B and Thiamine Deficiency

Here’s some research that I did recently on Cataplex® B and serotonin:

Thiamine was named as “thio” or “sulfur-containing vitamin” and Beetroot is a betaine rich methyl donor. TMG and SAM-e- both found in betaine from beetroot, are said to be “methyl donors”, because they donate methyl groups to other molecules to facilitate beneficial chemical processes. This affects positive changes in the cardiovascular system, the liver, and other organs. betaine raises levels of a compound called s-adenosyl- methionine better known as Sam E- which in turn influences serotonin metabolism.

Serotonin has a multitude of benefits-Depression is closely linked to the dysfunction of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. A number of compounds in foods have been shown to raise serotonin levels and induce a subsequent calming effect in patients suffering from depression and sleep disorders.

A methyl donor ensures that homocysteine, a breakdown product of the amino acid methionine, is converted back to methionine. Mildly elevated levels of homocysteine have been found in patients with coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease and is recognized as a risk factor for premature arteriosclerotic disease.[1]

Beets are one of the richest sources of glutamine, a detoxifying amino acid essential to the health and maintenance of the intestinal tract. A deficiency of glutamine creates a state of imbalance in the gut bacteria, leaving an individual vulnerable to unfriendly organisms or the passage of bacteria into the bloodstream. Adding beets to your diet thus assists in keeping your digestive and immune systems healthy.

Additional reading: Opening and closing the metabolite gate

When sugars are metabolized by the body, they form Pyruvic acid. If sufficient oxygen is available, pyruvic acid is then broken down through the Kreb’s or Citric Acid cycle to create energy.

If there isn’t enough oxygen is available, instead of creating energy, Pyruvic Acid creates an excess of lactic acid or acidosis. Thiamine is a critical piece to increase oxygen utilization in the body.

Symptoms associated with excess lactic acid –not surprisingly, are the same as what we’ve been talking about with thiamine deficiency.

• Exhaustion or extreme fatigue
• Muscle cramps or pain
• Body weakness
• Overall feelings of discomfort
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Decrease in appetite
• Headache
• Rapid heart rate

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms you might want to consider adding a supplement like Cataplex® B to your protocol. Schedule a session with me today to see how we can put together a supplement protocol that’s right for you!