Vitamin B-12 is one of the most important vitamins for the body. It helps the body create red blood cells, it facilitates the function of our nerves, and it helps the body produce more of its own DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
This vitamin is an essential part of a well-balanced diet; many people take vitamin B-12 supplements or injections. A deficiency in B-12 may cause fatigue, anemia, mood problems, weakened muscles, damaged nerves, and intestinal issues. This vitamin is an essential part of a well-balanced diet; many people take vitamin B-12 supplements or injections. A deficiency in B-12 may cause fatigue, anemia, mood problems, weakened muscles, damaged nerves, and intestinal issues.This vitamin is an essential part of a well-balanced diet; many people take vitamin B-12 supplements or injections. A deficiency in B-12 may cause fatigue, anemia, mood problems, weakened muscles, damaged nerves, and intestinal issues.
Excellent Sources of Vitamin B-12
Other than taking a daily vitamin, B-12 can be consumed by eating poultry, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. People who are vegan or vegetarian should take a daily supplement of B-12, as plants provide none of this vitamin at all. However, some foods and cereals are fortified with B-12 for enhanced nutritional value.
Because there may be a problem with absorption of B-12, people who have Crohn’s disease or celiac disease should take a B-12 supplement every day. Likewise, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may require extra B-12, under the guidance of their physician.
A deficiency of B-12 as a person gets older is associated with certain types of dementia and lower cognitive functioning. Talk to your health care professional about how much B-12 you should be taking every day in order to help maintain a healthy brain.
B-12 Deficiency Anemia
Someone who has a deficiency of B-12 can develop megaloblastic anemia, which can make you feel weak and listless. Fortunately, taking B-12 supplementation can reverse this issue and bring your body back into proper nutritional balance.
How Is B-12 Absorbed in the Body?
There is a chemical reaction that has to happen in order to properly absorb B-12 from food. In the first stage, the hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates the vitamin from the protein to which it is attached. Then, the vitamin mixes with a protein called intrinsic factor, whereupon it is fully absorbed by the digestive system.
Intrinsic factor is a special protein in the stomach whose sole purpose is to help the large intestine absorb vitamin B-12. People with pernicious anemia cannot manufacture intrinsic factor, so receiving high doses of B-12 via injections or supplements is key.
Nutrition Counseling in Greater Fort Worth
At AlphaCare Wellness Center in Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Catherine Oseni is a compounding pharmacist who has extensive knowledge in supplements, wellness care, weight management, and more. She implements her knowledge in helping clients achieve proper nutritional balance, hormonal balance, ideal weight, skin health, and even sexual health.
If you or someone you know is a vegan or vegetarian, or if you have a special health issue and would like to know how to achieve total wellness, enlist our team at AlphaCare Wellness Center. We can check your B-12 levels and other nutritional issues, and we can help you achieve a healthy body by taking the supplements your body needs.
Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today by calling us at (817) 550-6332. We look forward to seeing you!
