An Easy Guide To The Benefits Of Vitamin B12

If you are looking for an easy guide to the benefits of vitamin B12, you have come to the right place. In this article we discuss the following:

• What is Vitamin B12?

• What Are The Effects Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

• Recommended Vitamin B12 Supplement

• The Best Food Sources That Contain Vitamin B12

• What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin B12?

What is Vitamin B12?

Termed Vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B12 vitamin B-12 or cobalamin is an essential part of nutrition that acts on the brain, nervous system and helps with the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins within this group and helps with metabolism (the process which the body converts, produces and maintains health and energy).

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Vitamin B12 works on the nervous system and, when people suffer with a lack of this, can cause irrepairable damage. Even when vitamin B-12 levels are just under normal, it can cause symptoms of fatigue, depression and poor memory. However, if these symptoms present themselves, it may be difficult to diagnose. In extreme cases, a vitamin B-12 deficiency (Resource Box 1) can lead to death if untreated.

A lack of cobalamin may cause mania and psychosis. Furthermore, a vitamin B12 deficiency may be the cause of a condition known as pernicious anemia (Resource Box 2). It is, for example, important for people who have a gastric bypass to get regular injections of b12 because they no longer have the same level of production of gastric acid which plays a key role in the absorption of the vitamin.

The good news is that with supplementation, the condition - providing the disease has not gone too far - can improve people's well being and zest for life. It has been known to help older people (Resource Box 3) with diseases associated with the brain, particularly Alzheimer's, and those who take Metformin in type 2 diabetes (Resource Box 4).

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Wonder Laboratories advanced sublingual B12 contains 1000 micrograms of B12, vitamin B6 (5mg), Folic Acid (400 mcg) & Biotin (25mcg).

This can be taken every two or three days and is absorbed under the tongue (sublingual). This is good news because, unlike most nutrients, absorption of vitamin B₁₂ actually begins in the mouth.

Furthermore, the great thing about this product is the vitamin B-12 is combined with other nutrients for greater absorption to help you feel good.

By dissolving the tablet under the tongue, it goes directly to the blood stream. If you have problems with absorbing cobalamin, this product just might be what you are looking for to supplement you.

I liked this product so much that I have had to import it to the UK - they don't sell it here - but don't take my word for it, see what others say by clicking on the link and checking out the reviews!

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Supplements can come in the form of tablet, liquid and injections. But how can we find the find food sources that contain vitamin B12? Here are some examples of where you can naturally source vitamin B-12.

Excellent Sources:

• Calf's liver, braised, 4 oz-wt - excellent source
• Sardines, 3.25 oz can - excellent source
• Snapper, baked/broiled, 4 oz-wt - excellent source

Very Good Sources:

• Venison,
• Shrimp, steamed/boiled,
• Scallops, baked/broiled,
• Salmon, chinook, baked/broiled,
• Crab, Lobster and Oysters
• Beef tenderloin, lean, broiled,

Good Sources:

• Lamb loin, roasted,
• Cod, baked/broiled,
• Halibut, baked/broiled,
• Yogurt, low-fat
• Cow's milk,
• Egg, whole, boiled

Vitamin B12 is best sourced from unprocessed animal products, however, netdoctor (Resource Box 5) suggests other sources that include:

• asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bananas, potatoes
• dried apricots, dates and figs
• nuts and pulses
• fish
• brown rice, wheat germ, wholegrain cereals.

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So, we have discussed that the lack of cobalamin can lead to forms of anemia, but what are the benefits of vitamin B12 to the body?

In this easy guide, we will sum it up in the following:

• B-12 helps to break down fat and carbohydrate. It can, therefore, help to maintain a healthy weight because it acts on the metabolism.
• It is essential to life, bringing forth energy and staying power.
• It helps the liver and digestive system to function effectively, keeping the body in balance.
• Improve memory, particulary those with Alzeimers.
• Helps to boost immunity, thereby, warding off illnesses.
• Promotes well being.

It is important to understand that the B12 vitamin is essential for life. This point is the greatest of the benefits of B12. As hinted previously, however, and as part of the complex B group, B12 works most effectively with the other B vitamins.

© 2011 Shazwellyn This work is covered under Creative Commons License

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1. Wiki B12 Deficiency
2. pernicious anemia
3. older people
4. type 2 diabetes
5. netdoctor

Disclaimer

Use this article at your own risk. It is not intended to give medical or psychological advice, neither does it give legal opinions and advice. Any action or outcome that may result from this article is the sole responsibility of the reader. This article assumes no responsibility or legal claim against it.

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