Vitamins in general are very essential to the human body. Vitamins work in conjunction with our bodies to help regulate our system. Vitamin B12 is no exception. Also known as Cobalamin, vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins there is. This vitamin’s purpose is to help maintain a healthy nervous system, form red blood cells, and is also vital in the creation of DNA. Because vitamin B12 belongs to the dynamic group of vitamins known as the Vitamin B group, it is water-soluble.
Vitamin B12 is essentially found in protein and animal products, such as fish, milk and milk-based products, fortified breakfast cereals, meat, and eggs, which is rich in other important vitamins such as Zinc and Magnesium. There is evidence that folic acid, (which can be obtained consuming orange juice, beans, leafy green vegetables, etc.), in conjunction with vitamins B12 and B6, helps regulate homocysteine levels. An excess of homocysteine is linked to such conditions as stroke and heart disease.
Vitamins are produced either naturally or taken in supplements. Supplements are important because not everybody can obtain vitamins the old-fashioned way. There are groups of people who may need a vitamin B12 supplement because they simply cannot produce the vitamin on their own. Breast-feeders aside, the rest of these risk groups need to take the supplement for the rest of their lives. These groups of people are:
- Anemic- Pernicious Anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when there is a lack of an intrinsic factor in the stomach. The intrinsic factor works with the vitamin in order to aid absorption.
- Suffering from gastrointestinal problems- Lack of natural vitamin B12 in your body is attributed to intestinal problems, not dietary factors.
- Older than 50 years of age- Many people this age are unable to absorb such vitamins.
- Breastfeeding- Pregnant women may need prenatal vitamins consisting of extra iron, not vitamin B12. Those who are nursing do require vitamin B12, however. Extra vitamin B12 is needed in order to have a sufficient amount of breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking any vitamins at all because your baby is ingesting your milk and the vitamins that you take as well.
While these groups are unable to absorb this vitamin, vegetarians suffer from a lack of vitamin B12 because it is not found in any of the foods that they consume. It was first reported that vegans (no animal products consumed whatsoever) might obtain natural vitamin B12 from products such as spirulina, algae, and soy-based products. This form of vitamin B12 may be unsafe, however, because the natural vitamin B12 in those plants may be unsuitable for humans. This is where a supplement would be necessary. Vegans should take 2 to 3 micrograms (mcg) per day. People who eat foods rich in vitamin B12 and don’t have an illness hindering absorption of the vitamin don’t usually require a supplement.
There are definite signs of B12 deficiencies, just like other vitamins. Symptoms include weight loss, gas and flatulence, fatigue, nausea, and weakness. Other factors that cause vitamin B12 deficiency is stress, the use of antibiotics, and smoking and drinking. Unlike some vitamins, B12 is generally non-toxic if overdosed, so there is no excuse for not obtaining it by any means.
There is now proof that mom was right when she insisted that you take your vitamins in order to grow big and strong!
By Michelle Presbury