Vitamin B 12 Benefits and Why You Need Vitamin B 12 for Good Health

Vitamin B 12 is one of the most essential B vitamins for good energy metabolism at the cellular level. The official name for vitamin B 12 is cobalmin. Man made vitamin B 12 is often labeled as cyanocobalmin. Most people refer to this essential vitamin in its simpler form, as vitamin B 12. Everyone needs vitamin B 12 in their diets. Signs of vitamin B 12 deficiency can range from depression and fatigue to tingling hands and weakness.

Where to Get Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B 12 is commonly found in several foods in the average diet. The highest levels of Vitamin B 12 are found in beef liver and clams, though most people will be able to get the 100% recommended amount of vitamin B 12 by eating a B 12 fortified breakfast cereal at least a few days a week. Other sources of vitamin B 12 include most meats, fish, shellfish, poultry, milk products, and eggs. Vitamin B 12 is not found in plant foods.

One way to improve your chances of getting enough vitamin B 12 in your diet is to take a dietary vitamin B 12 supplement. Vitamin B 12 supplements are sold inexpensively at most drugstores as over-the-counter supplements, so no prescription is needed.

If your doctor feels you have a vitamin B 12 deficiency, the suggested method for an increase in vitamin B 12 is commonly through injections at the doctor's office. Other methods include patches and nasal sprays.

People at Risk of Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

There are a few different groups of people who are at risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Vegetarians are one of the groups least likely to get enough vitamin B 12 in their diet because of the lack of vitamin B 12 in plant foods. Supplements may help. People who are anemic are another group at risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Many of the symptoms of anemia are common vitamin B 12 deficiency symptoms. Those with gastrointestinal disorders or diseases may have difficulty with vitamin B 12 absorption. Vitamin B 12 deficiency is also a common issue among older adults.

Benefits of Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B 12 is essential to the energy metabolism in every cell in the body. Keeping enough Vitamin B 12 in your system will keep energy metabolism running smoothly. Many people consider vitamin B 12 an energy enhancer, which will assist with fatigue prevention, especially for those who lead busy lives or play sports.

Vitamin B 12 also plays roles in neurological health, DNA synthesis, and other important functions in the body. Our bodies are capable of storing vitamin B 12 to maintain regular functioning when there are enough vitamin B 12 intakes in our diets. Certain medical conditions, binge drinking for more than 2 weeks, antibiotics, and other health issues may compromise vitamin B 12 storage and absorption.

Vitamin B 12 to Combat Stress

Stress and everyday fatigue can take a toll on the mind and body. Vitamin B 12 can be a welcome supplement to the diet of anyone who is feeling the stress of burnout or the depressed feelings from a long, sunlight deprived winter. If a busy lifestyle has your diet under par, a supplement of vitamin B 12 might help to ward off fatigue associated with stress. Personally, adding a vitamin B 12 supplement to my diet has helped to increase my energy levels. Those who have more considerable medical conditions associated with a vitamin B 12 deficiency should consult a physician for guidance.