Latest news with #VitaminB12
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritional Deficiencies And How They Can Impact Natural Conception
Good nutrition is key to overall health and that also includes reproductive health. Currently, many people unknowingly suffer from nutritional deficiencies that can affect their ability to conceive. Hence, balanced nutrition is often underestimated in fertility care. Fertility is not just about reproductive organs, it's a reflection of how well the entire body is functioning and nutrition plays a major role in that. One has to pay extra attention when it comes to nutrition. How nutritional deficiency impacts natural conception Many couples with no major medical issues struggle to conceive, only to find that the root cause is something as basic as a nutritional deficiency. For example, low Vitamin D or iron levels can silently interfere with hormonal function, menstrual cycles, and egg quality, reducing the chances of natural conception. Folic Acid This is necessary for cell growth and fetal development. Low levels of it can impair ovulation and increase the chances of birth defects. Iron Deficiency can lead to anovulation (lack of ovulation) and poor egg quality. Women will not be able to conceive successfully. Vitamin D Is known to play a pivotal role in hormone regulation and immune function. Low levels can hurt fertility in men and women. Zinc Important for sperm quality and testosterone production and being deficient in it can impact sperm health. Vitamin B12 Deficiency can affect ovulation in women. Tips for healthy eating to support fertility Poor eating habits, processed foods, and crash diets deprive the body of these vital nutrients. Especially in urban populations, where both partners are working and often skip meals or rely on convenience food, these deficiencies are becoming increasingly common. a. Eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and lentils. Take the help of an expert, if need be regarding what to eat and avoid. b. Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, legumes, and fortified cereals. c. Get tested and take supplements for Vitamin D, B12, and folic acid if needed. Take supplements as per the doctor's advice only and don't go overboard. d. Stay hydrated and limit processed food, and sugary drinks as they can lead to weight gain which can impact the conception. e. Cut down on junk, processed, and canned food. Also, quit smoking and alcohol or illicit drug use. Remember, addressing nutritional gaps through proper diet and supplementation can improve the chances of natural conception. It is a good idea to adopt mindful eating practices that will also aid conception. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
No Laughing Matter: The Dangers of Legally Available Nitrous Oxide
Despite the potentially deadly side effects, nitrous oxide remains widely available to consumers in the United States, including right here in Dallas. Better known as 'laughing gas,' nitrous oxide has legitimate uses, from a painkiller during dental procedures to a whipping agent for certain culinary recipes. However, it also serves another, more sinister purpose: to help get young Americans high. During the COVID-19 pandemic, usage of the gas skyrocketed. This has led to some manufacturers now offering large containers for sale online. To make matters worse, the drug is often marketed in bright, colorful packaging. Unfortunately for its users, the consequences of the drug can be severe. The gas can cause hypoxia, where insufficient oxygen reaches the brain. Regular use can also result in Vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to nerve damage and even paralysis. In the worst cases, it can even lead to death. Florida native Meg Caldwell succumbed to a nitrous oxide overdose after being addicted to the substance for eight years. Before her untimely death, Caldwell experienced severe side effects from abusing the substance, at one point temporarily losing the use of her legs after an overdose. 'She didn't think that it would hurt her because she was buying it in the smoke shop, so she thought she was using this substance legally,' Caldwell's sister, Kathleen Dial, said to the BBC. Like other cities in the United States, a quick Google search reveals that the gas is easily obtained in Dallas. Despite being marketed as a 'kitchen product,' it's usually sold in smoke shops alongside vape pens, pipes, and bongs. In some cases, consumers can even get the drug delivered right to their door. 'Get high-quality whipped cream chargers in Dallas at affordable prices with home delivery services. Our cream chargers are suitable for professional chefs, home users, and experts alike, and are an essential kitchen product for every household. We source our whip cream chargers directly from the original seller and offer a wide variety of options,' reads the details on the website for Infinity & Beyond Smoke Shop on East Grand Ave. According to the Annual Report of America's Poison Centers, intentional exposure to nitrous oxide in the U.S. grew a staggering 58% between 2023 and 2024, and between 2019 and 2023, the CDC says deaths from nitrous oxide poisoning have surged by more than 110%. Despite being outright banned in places like the United Kingdom, the substance remains legally available in the majority of the U.S., including Texas. Louisiana is the only state that has outlawed its sale.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Manage anaemia before pregnancy
In my nearly four decades of practice, one recurring reality has stood out — far too many women begin pregnancy already struggling with undiagnosed anaemia. Maternal health in India is often viewed through the lens of pregnancy and childbirth, but its foundation is laid much earlier — long before conception. A woman's health at the time of conception shapes not only her pregnancy but also the well-being of her child. Yet, for more than 57% of women in their reproductive age in India, this foundation is weakened by undiagnosed and untreated anaemia. These women experience persistent fatigue, dizziness, and weakness, yet these symptoms are more than often dismissed as routine. By the time they conceive, their haemoglobin levels are already dangerously low, increasing the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and life-threatening maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia and post-partum hemorrhage, all of which contribute to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. While efforts to improve maternal health have helped bring down the Maternal Mortality Ratio to 93 per 1,00,000 live births in India, sustaining and accelerating this progress requires a shift in approach. Achieving further reductions, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, means going beyond interventions during pregnancy to include proactive measures much earlier. To truly transform anaemia prevention and management, we must reframe the approach to emphasise preconception health. The question should not only be, 'Are you ready for motherhood?' but also, 'Is your body ready for pregnancy?' A comprehensive approach For decades, oral Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation has been the primary strategy for preventing and managing anaemia. While beneficial, oral IFA has limitations — many women struggle with nausea, loose motions, constipation, and poor absorption, leading to low adherence. Moreover, for women with long-standing anaemia, the short window of pregnancy is often insufficient to restore their iron levels through oral supplements alone. As a consequence, there is reduced transfer of iron to the infant as well, causing anaemia. A more comprehensive approach is needed to effectively manage moderate to severe anaemia and prevent its progression during and after pregnancy. Here, Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV FCM) presents a safer and more effective alternative. Unlike oral iron, IV FCM delivers iron directly into the bloodstream, rapidly restoring haemoglobin levels and iron stores. This is not affected by Hepcidin levels unlike oral iron. While Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anaemia, it is not the only one. Vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked, despite its crucial role in red blood cell formation and neurological function. A study found that nearly 49% of women of reproductive age suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency with an impact on anaemia and birth defects. Without adequate Vitamin B12, iron supplementation alone cannot fully address anaemia. In addition, undiagnosed thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can mask or exacerbate anaemia and negatively impact foetal development. Similarly, many Indian women remain unaware of their gestational diabetes status until later stages of pregnancy. Screening for thyroid function, blood glucose levels, and Vitamin B12 deficiency before conception can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes and overall maternal health. It is better to combine injectable Vitamin B12 and Folate along with IV Iron to prevent refractory anaemia. Shifting to an approach that is focused on preconception health requires community involvement. As families influence health decisions, they should encourage preconception health check-ups. Accredited Social Health Activists and Anganwadi workers should incorporate preconception health education into existing maternal and child health programmes. Their proximity to communities uniquely positions them to highlight the importance of preconception screening, ensuring women recognise that these check-ups are as critical as antenatal visits in preventing life-threatening complications. A societal imperative Improving maternal health is not merely a medical responsibility; it is a societal imperative. Families, healthcare systems, policymakers, and communities must work collaboratively, proactively, and with sustained commitment. Failing to address anaemia and other deficiencies before conception does a disservice not only to women, but also to future generations whose potential begins before birth. By normalising preconception check-ups, expanding the use of newer interventions such as IV FCM, and refining existing oral IFA strategies (especially administration patterns — daily versus alternate or twice-weekly), we can provide every mother in India with the opportunity for a safe, healthy, and dignified pregnancy. The time for action is now. No woman should enter pregnancy anaemic. No woman should be anaemic during pregnancy due to preventable deficiencies. No woman should leave childbirth weaker than she entered it. Making preconception care as routine as antenatal care is not optional — it is essential, urgent, and transformative. If we want our next generation to be healthier and smarter (as iron influences foetal and infant brain development), mothers must be healthy at the start of pregnancy. Mrutyunjaya Bellad, Professor, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka
News18
21-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Vitamins vs. Food: Should You Supplement or Not?
Last Updated: While food has traditionally been our primary source of essential nutrients; changing lifestyles, soil degradation, processed diets have compelled many to consider supplements In today's wellness-conscious world, there's one persistent debate that continues to divide experts and health enthusiasts alike—should we rely solely on natural food for our nutrients, or is there a legitimate place for vitamin and mineral supplements in our diets? While food has traditionally been our primary source of essential nutrients, changing lifestyles, soil degradation, and heavily processed diets have compelled many to consider dietary supplements. But are these pills and powders necessary for everyone—or are they simply a convenient crutch? We spoke to two health professionals, Aman Puri, Founder, Steadfast Nutrition, and Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Nutritionist and Founder, CEO, iThrive, to understand the nuances of this food vs. supplement debate. 'Supplements can never be a replacement for food," says Aman Puri, whose company Steadfast Nutrition focuses on sports and wellness nutrition. 'On the other hand, supplements can easily be replaced by whole foods." He emphasises that while food is nature's complete package, modern lifestyle challenges—like irregular meals, stress, poor sleep, and processed foods—often lead to nutrient deficiencies. 'In such cases, supplements can play a key role when requirements remain unmet through food alone. While whole foods are a natural source of vitamins, not all foods are rich in every vitamin," he adds. The benefit of supplements is that they offer a concentrated source of specific vitamins or multivitamins, which may be harder to obtain from a regular diet. Functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, who heads the Pune-based wellness platform iThrive, points out that while earlier generations could rely on food alone for complete nutrition, that's no longer the case today. 'In earlier days, food alone was enough to meet all our vitamin and mineral needs because we used to consume fresh produce grown in mineral-rich soil," she explains. 'But now, due to intensive farming, depleted soils, and extended food supply chains, the nutrient value of our food has diminished. Even those on a healthy diet may not be getting enough of key nutrients." Supplements Can Fill Gaps—but Choose Wisely Both experts agree: supplements, when used judiciously, can fill dietary gaps—but they should be used with care. According to Pradhan, the first step is to test your vitamin levels. 'It's found that a lot of people are deficient in at least one nutrient—particularly Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc. These deficiencies can quietly affect your energy, immune system, hormone balance, and overall health." She stresses the importance of choosing high-quality supplements. 'Always seek out products that contain no artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers. Ensure they're clinically tested and backed by science," she advises. Meanwhile, Puri cautions against overuse. 'Supplements often contain synthetic ingredients that may not be as effective as their natural counterparts found in food. Overconsumption can cause short-term effects like nausea, skin allergies, and digestive issues—and in the long run, may harm your kidneys, liver, or cardiovascular system." While supplements can offer a quick fix for specific deficiencies, both experts underline the importance of a balanced, diverse diet as the foundation of health. 'Another benefit of whole foods is that they provide fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, in addition to vitamins and minerals," says Puri. 'Supplements give you a specific nutrient only—and often at a much higher cost." He adds that supplements make the most sense in clinical cases, such as nutrient deficiencies caused by medical conditions. 'Ideally, aim for a balanced diet that includes all food groups naturally. Supplements should be taken only to fill nutritional gaps or when additional needs arise—and always under the guidance of a healthcare professional." Final Takeaway So, should you supplement or not? The answer lies in a personalised approach. If you're eating a well-rounded diet, you may not need supplements—but modern-day lifestyle and farming realities mean deficiencies are common. A combination of routine health check-ups, mindful eating, and, if needed, smart supplementation under expert supervision may be the most realistic path forward. As Mugdha Pradhan sums it up, 'Are supplements essential? My answer is yes—but use them wisely." Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 21, 2025, 10:45 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Vitamins vs. Food: Should You Supplement or Not?
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
The importance of trace mineral injections
This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim Trace minerals are required for optimal growth, reproduction, and immunity. Optimising trace mineral status relying solely on oral supplements across a herd may fail because of variation in individual intake and reduced absorption due to antagonism of other ration components and minerals. Any aspect of trace mineral status impairment can have significant implications on the cow. There is only a short window of two to three months where the cow has a chance of becoming pregnant in time to remain in sync with our production systems and produce a calf every year. The use of injectable trace mineral supplements has been associated with positive reproductive outcomes, including improved conception rate, increased odds of pregnancy and greater final in calf rate. A study conducted on 2,168 dairy cows, administered injectable trace minerals, four weeks prior to calving and again four weeks prior to the start of mating showed treated animals had a 3.3 per cent greater final in-calf rate, and a reduced time from start of mating to conception, compared to control animals. Another study has shown that cows treated with injectable trace minerals were associated with a significant reduction in both clinical and subclinical mastitis, highlighting the benefits that trace element supplements can have on pasture-based dairy cows. Dr Carl Eden, technical services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim said, "Vitamin B12 is sometimes referred to as a 'super vitamin' because it is only required in very small amounts but vital to many essential metabolic pathways". Dr Eden said demand for B12 could vary considerably during the year and he saw serum levels of B12 fall at critical times, such as the first few months after calving Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, so deficiency in cobalt can lead to deficiency in vitamin B12 because ruminants get most of their B12 as a byproduct of ruminal fermentation where the bacteria in their rumen assemble B12 from cobalt for use by the cow. Sub-optimal trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at calving, mating, and drying off has been shown to negatively impact growth, reproduction, and immunity. Using a trace mineral injectable containing vitamin B12 can improve trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at these critical times. In the largest trace element study to date, Marks-Min Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 demonstrated remarkable results when compared to a reference trace mineral injection. "Given the differences between Marks-Min and other products on the market, we wanted to generate a compelling data set to demonstrate how effective it was compared to the pioneer product," Dr Eden said. "We entrusted this work to a third-party research company. We chose farms that were at the top of their game from a reproductive perspective. "We made sure that the farms had no evidence of trace element or vitamin B12 deficiencies or excess." Across all outcomes of interest, Marks-Min demonstrated clear non-inferiority when compared to the reference product. Outcomes measured included submission, pregnancy and conception rates, and six week in-calf rate. Marks-Min demonstrated it is highly suited as an alternative treatment to the reference product. Dr Eden said, "We all love data, and this is a great data set as it opens options". Dr Eden said Marks-Min joined the ranks of proven injectable trace mineral preparations and gave advisors and farmers an alternative to Multimin with the added benefit of B12 to support optimal health fertility and production. This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim Trace minerals are required for optimal growth, reproduction, and immunity. Optimising trace mineral status relying solely on oral supplements across a herd may fail because of variation in individual intake and reduced absorption due to antagonism of other ration components and minerals. Any aspect of trace mineral status impairment can have significant implications on the cow. There is only a short window of two to three months where the cow has a chance of becoming pregnant in time to remain in sync with our production systems and produce a calf every year. The use of injectable trace mineral supplements has been associated with positive reproductive outcomes, including improved conception rate, increased odds of pregnancy and greater final in calf rate. A study conducted on 2,168 dairy cows, administered injectable trace minerals, four weeks prior to calving and again four weeks prior to the start of mating showed treated animals had a 3.3 per cent greater final in-calf rate, and a reduced time from start of mating to conception, compared to control animals. Another study has shown that cows treated with injectable trace minerals were associated with a significant reduction in both clinical and subclinical mastitis, highlighting the benefits that trace element supplements can have on pasture-based dairy cows. Dr Carl Eden, technical services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim said, "Vitamin B12 is sometimes referred to as a 'super vitamin' because it is only required in very small amounts but vital to many essential metabolic pathways". Dr Eden said demand for B12 could vary considerably during the year and he saw serum levels of B12 fall at critical times, such as the first few months after calving Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, so deficiency in cobalt can lead to deficiency in vitamin B12 because ruminants get most of their B12 as a byproduct of ruminal fermentation where the bacteria in their rumen assemble B12 from cobalt for use by the cow. Sub-optimal trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at calving, mating, and drying off has been shown to negatively impact growth, reproduction, and immunity. Using a trace mineral injectable containing vitamin B12 can improve trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at these critical times. In the largest trace element study to date, Marks-Min Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 demonstrated remarkable results when compared to a reference trace mineral injection. "Given the differences between Marks-Min and other products on the market, we wanted to generate a compelling data set to demonstrate how effective it was compared to the pioneer product," Dr Eden said. "We entrusted this work to a third-party research company. We chose farms that were at the top of their game from a reproductive perspective. "We made sure that the farms had no evidence of trace element or vitamin B12 deficiencies or excess." Across all outcomes of interest, Marks-Min demonstrated clear non-inferiority when compared to the reference product. Outcomes measured included submission, pregnancy and conception rates, and six week in-calf rate. Marks-Min demonstrated it is highly suited as an alternative treatment to the reference product. Dr Eden said, "We all love data, and this is a great data set as it opens options". Dr Eden said Marks-Min joined the ranks of proven injectable trace mineral preparations and gave advisors and farmers an alternative to Multimin with the added benefit of B12 to support optimal health fertility and production. This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim Trace minerals are required for optimal growth, reproduction, and immunity. Optimising trace mineral status relying solely on oral supplements across a herd may fail because of variation in individual intake and reduced absorption due to antagonism of other ration components and minerals. Any aspect of trace mineral status impairment can have significant implications on the cow. There is only a short window of two to three months where the cow has a chance of becoming pregnant in time to remain in sync with our production systems and produce a calf every year. The use of injectable trace mineral supplements has been associated with positive reproductive outcomes, including improved conception rate, increased odds of pregnancy and greater final in calf rate. A study conducted on 2,168 dairy cows, administered injectable trace minerals, four weeks prior to calving and again four weeks prior to the start of mating showed treated animals had a 3.3 per cent greater final in-calf rate, and a reduced time from start of mating to conception, compared to control animals. Another study has shown that cows treated with injectable trace minerals were associated with a significant reduction in both clinical and subclinical mastitis, highlighting the benefits that trace element supplements can have on pasture-based dairy cows. Dr Carl Eden, technical services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim said, "Vitamin B12 is sometimes referred to as a 'super vitamin' because it is only required in very small amounts but vital to many essential metabolic pathways". Dr Eden said demand for B12 could vary considerably during the year and he saw serum levels of B12 fall at critical times, such as the first few months after calving Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, so deficiency in cobalt can lead to deficiency in vitamin B12 because ruminants get most of their B12 as a byproduct of ruminal fermentation where the bacteria in their rumen assemble B12 from cobalt for use by the cow. Sub-optimal trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at calving, mating, and drying off has been shown to negatively impact growth, reproduction, and immunity. Using a trace mineral injectable containing vitamin B12 can improve trace mineral and vitamin B12 status at these critical times. In the largest trace element study to date, Marks-Min Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 demonstrated remarkable results when compared to a reference trace mineral injection. "Given the differences between Marks-Min and other products on the market, we wanted to generate a compelling data set to demonstrate how effective it was compared to the pioneer product," Dr Eden said. "We entrusted this work to a third-party research company. We chose farms that were at the top of their game from a reproductive perspective. "We made sure that the farms had no evidence of trace element or vitamin B12 deficiencies or excess." Across all outcomes of interest, Marks-Min demonstrated clear non-inferiority when compared to the reference product. Outcomes measured included submission, pregnancy and conception rates, and six week in-calf rate. Marks-Min demonstrated it is highly suited as an alternative treatment to the reference product. Dr Eden said, "We all love data, and this is a great data set as it opens options". Dr Eden said Marks-Min joined the ranks of proven injectable trace mineral preparations and gave advisors and farmers an alternative to Multimin with the added benefit of B12 to support optimal health fertility and production. This is branded content for Boehringer Ingelheim
