B12 vitamin
Importance and Deficiency
The B12 vitamin is one of the B vitamins.
Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin is 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. The water soluble 12 B also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy. Therefore, prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, 12 b is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of 12 b is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need 12 b to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need 12 b to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need 12 b 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 12 b to create this protective layer, then the brain will not be functioning properly.
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Why We Need Vitamin B12
Interestingly, the amount of 12 b that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, 12 B on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb 12 B ,the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the 12b to be absorbed. 12 b 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 12 b. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the 12 b that is consumed. The body can recycle the 12 b which cuts down on the impact of B12 deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require 12 b supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain 12 b.
Vitamin b12 deficiency anemia
If the body does not have enough 12 B then anemia is the most obvious symptom. Obviously, this is due to the fact that there is not enough 12 B to make healthy red blood cells. Anaemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is essential to absorb the 12 B that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to makes less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50. This will lead to less 12 B being absorbed and supplements of 12 B may be required.
Take care in kids and pregnant
Kids are also at risk from anemia because they may not eat the food that contain 12 b. Pregnant women need more 12 b because the baby is absorbing 12 b during the pregnancy to grow properly