Vitamin B12: How Does it Benefit Me and Where Can I Find It?

Vitamin B12 is a great supplement and should be taken by just about everyone. There are so many benefits to this supplement that you really can not afford to not take it. With only one small group unable to take a certain type of B12, it is a safe and effective way to promote energy, restful sleep, balanced brain function, treat and combat depression, and even slow the spread of HIV. There are many clinical tests on this vitamin and all of them are good news. With more and more benefits and still no downside or side effects, there is no reason to not take this supplement. There are even several places to get this nutrient, whether in your diet or as a separate supplement.

The benefits are really endless to this supplement. Since B12 is a key in cell reproduction, brain function, and DNA production, this is a key part of your life and can help to keep you healthy and your cells well formed. Though there is no clinical proof yet, B12 is thought to prevent cancer by several scientists since it does promote healthy and proper cell growth. B12 has been proven to prevent and slow several other ailments such as HIV and Alzheimer's. It has also been used in cases of depression since it does notably increase the amount of serotonin produced in the brain. This is the same effect as Prozac and other depression medications.

In seniors, B12 is especially important. It has been known to cure mild memory problems and prevent several brain function problems. When used at the onset of Alzheimer's, it has been proven to reverse the effects and restore proper brain functions. The treatment of cancer is another plus for the older community, but may not be able to reverse these effects. It will also give a balanced energy level which promotes proper sleep and more energy throughout the day. B12 has also been shown to be a great ointment that will reduce wrinkles and skin irritations. It will also help to relieve joint pain from arthritis and, while not proven, is believed to aid in osteoporosis treatments.

Vitamin B12 is also helpful for everyone else that wishes to remain healthy. It will boost your immune system and help to prevent a lot of ailments that are associated with aging. We have to face the fact that all of us will be old some day, and to live a full and vibrant life, B12 can help to give you the energy and prevent a lot of future problems. Since it is not a toxic supplement in high doses, B12 is safe for all ages to use. In children, B12 can be very helpful in cell growth and maintaining a healthy and strong body. It is very beneficial to children and should be included in the diet or supplements of children of any age, including infants.

You can easily add B12 to any diet. It is commonly found in meats, especially fish and seafood. While liver and clams have the highest concentration of B12, many foods are fortified with B12. Cereals are the best source for vegetarians to get this nutrient, as many of them include a full days value of B12 in a single serving. While dairy products and eggs include small amounts of this vitamin naturally, they only contain small amounts and should not be relied upon for a full day's serving unless eaten in large amounts. B12 is only found naturally in beef and dairy products, but can be found as an additive in many grain foods and milks. It may be a good idea to add B12 as a supplement through the use of daily vitamins or a separate supplement.

The benefits of B12 are amazing and there is no toxicity. The only drug interactions that have been found are with gastro medications such as proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec and Prevacid), H2 Receptor antagonists (Pepcid and Zantac), and other acid reduction medications. The interaction is nothing that will cause side effects, but these medications prevent the absorption of B12 so you will not be getting the benefits of the vitamin. There is one very rare disorder (optic nerve atrophy) that may worsen when a certain type of B12 is used (cyanocobalamin). This is a synthetic version of the vitamin and the natural forming B12 will have no effect on this disorder. There is no risk of overdose and due to the low toxicity of this vitamin, there is no maximum daily allowance for B12. It is safe and beneficial for all ages and can help with all types of disorders and diseases. This is truly one of the wonder drugs of this world.

Sources:

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12

Wikipedia - Vitamin B12

Benefits of Vitamin B12