The B12 vitamin is one of the b vitamins that are essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise known as Cobalamin, the 12b vitamin is needed for the processes to convert the carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. B12 also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, B12 is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of B12 is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need B12 to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need B12 to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need B12 to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is not sufficient B12 to create this protective layer then the brain will not be functioning properly.
Interestingly, the amount of B12 that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, B12 on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb B12 the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the B12 to be absorbed. B12 is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount of B12. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the B12 that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the B12 which cuts down on the impact of a B12 deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require B12 supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain B12.
If the body does not have enough B12 then anaemia is the most obvious symptom. Obviously, this is due to the fact that there is not enough B12 to make healthy red blood cells. Anaemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb the B12 that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to makes less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50 and this will lead to less B12 being absorbed and supplements of B12 may be required. Kids are also at risk from anaemia because they may not eat the food that contain B12. Pregnant women need more B12 because the baby is absorbing B12 during the pregnancy to grow properly.
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Vitamin B12 and How to Improve Its Intake The City Wire (blog) The wellness benefits of vitamin B12 or Cobalamin to our own well being are verified and tested. The main positive aspects for this vitamin are that it truly is chargeable for the healthy functioning of our neural system plus the red blood cells. |
A cheesy guide to health Livemint This variety is a good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus, and a very good source of calcium. However, this variety is high in saturated fat. One slice (around 30g) contains 80 calories. Feta: It is a good source of protein, riboflavin, ... |
![]() Newsolio (blog) | Vegetarianism can be a good option, but it takes some planning. The Hullabaloo Online Vegetarians must pay particular attention to their diet to make sure that it is well-balanced and includes all the vitamins and minerals essential to health. In particular, a vegetarian diet may lack iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Women's health and nutrition: What vitamins and supplements do women need? Why Is It Vital to utilize Multivitamins? Vegetarians' vitamins |
Pfenninger: Vitamin supplements Midland Daily News More than 1 gm of vitamin C per day is poorly absorbed and might cause kidney stones. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the elderly, affecting 10 to 30 percent. It is diagnosed by checking B12 concentrations in the blood. |
![]() BlissTree | The Hormone Diet: Feeling Exhausted? You May be Low in Vitamin B12 BlissTree The reasons behind fatigue can range from insomnia and excessive stress to food allergies or a hormonal imbalance, but more often than not I find that low levels of vitamin B12 — and often iron, as the two go hand in hand — are partially to blame. Medicines that interfere with vitamins |