Vitamin B12 is one of the B vitamins that is essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise, known as Cobalamin, B12 is needed for the process of converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. B12 also helps keep red blood cells healthy and therefore helps prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, B12 is used to create the protective covering for all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of B12 is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need B12 to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need B12 to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All the nerve cells in the body also need B12 to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all the nerves, but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is insufficient B12 to create this protective layer, then the brain will not function properly.
The amount of B12 that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, B12 on its own is not enough, as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb B12, the stomach produces intrinsic factor, which enables more of the vitamin to be absorbed.
B12 is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat, but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount. This is not a problem, as the body can only absorb about half of the B12 that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle B12, which cuts down on the impact of a deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require supplements if they do not eat any animal products.
If the body does not have enough B12, then anemia is the most obvious symptom due to the fact that there is not enough B12 to make healthy red blood cells. Anemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb B12 that is available in food. The body tends to make less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50 and this will lead to less being absorbed and supplements may be required.
Kids are also at risk from anemia because they may not eat foods containing B12. Pregnant women need more because the baby is absorbing it during the pregnancy to grow properly.
Photo by Cosmin Ursea on Unsplash