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"Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin otherwise known as cobalamin, and it is essential for our health.
The current reference daily intake (RDI) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg, and it is found exclusively in animal foods .
This important vitamin has a large number of functions, and it affects every cell within the human body.
This article will examine the health benefits that B12 offers.
May Help To Fight Depression and Improve Mental Health
Studies show that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 is important for mental health.
Vitamin B12 Gives the Body Energy
An insufficient intake of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue.
Vitamin B12 Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects During Pregnancy
It is particularly important to ensure an adequate vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy.
Helps To Prevent Anaemia
Meeting the dietary requirements for vitamin B12 can help prevent or cure anemia.
Sufficient B12 Intake Lowers Homocysteine Levels
Maintaining sufficient B12 levels helps to reduce the risk of developing high homocysteine levels.
May Help To Prevent Age-Related Bone Loss
More research is necessary, but vitamin B12 may help to protect bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Research Shows Vitamin B12 Can Improve Cognitive Health In the Elderly
Optimal levels of vitamin B12 may improve memory and other markers of cognitive function.
B12 Intake Could Potentially Improve Cardiovascular Health
B12 supplementation may improve cardiovascular health through its effect on reducing homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B12 Is Essential For a Healthy Nervous System
Getting sufficient vitamin B12 is important for the central nervous system.
May Help Protect/Fight Against Dementia
There are links between low vitamin B12 status and dementia, but there is currently not enough evidence to confirm the association.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Research shows that anyone in the following groups may have insufficient levels of vitamin B12;
Vegan and vegetarian dieters: avoidance of animal foods is a significant risk for B12 deficiency. This dietary choice necessitates supplementation or consumption of food fortified with B12.
People with gastrointestinal problems: gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease can reduce the absorption rate of dietary vitamin B12. Anyone with such issues (or suspected issues) should speak to their doctor/medical team.
The elderly: Older adults can sometimes develop a condition known as atrophic gastritis, which decreases the secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As a result, B12 is not properly absorbed.
Key Point: A vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely unlikely in healthy individuals consuming a range of animal foods. However, for other groups of people, supplementation may be necessary."
Above words taken from Michael Joseph's Nutrition Advance site.
His full article with related links can be seen here
https://www.nutritionadvance.com/vitamin-b12-benefits/
Another good and important article about Vitamin B12
'Why Some Diabetes Patients Taking Metformin Need More Vitamin B12'
can be found here
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/check-your-vitamin-b12-levels-if-you-take-metformin
All the best Jan
The current reference daily intake (RDI) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg, and it is found exclusively in animal foods .
This important vitamin has a large number of functions, and it affects every cell within the human body.
This article will examine the health benefits that B12 offers.
May Help To Fight Depression and Improve Mental Health
Studies show that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 is important for mental health.
Vitamin B12 Gives the Body Energy
An insufficient intake of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue.
Vitamin B12 Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects During Pregnancy
It is particularly important to ensure an adequate vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy.
Helps To Prevent Anaemia
Meeting the dietary requirements for vitamin B12 can help prevent or cure anemia.
Sufficient B12 Intake Lowers Homocysteine Levels
Maintaining sufficient B12 levels helps to reduce the risk of developing high homocysteine levels.
May Help To Prevent Age-Related Bone Loss
More research is necessary, but vitamin B12 may help to protect bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Research Shows Vitamin B12 Can Improve Cognitive Health In the Elderly
Optimal levels of vitamin B12 may improve memory and other markers of cognitive function.
B12 Intake Could Potentially Improve Cardiovascular Health
B12 supplementation may improve cardiovascular health through its effect on reducing homocysteine levels.
Vitamin B12 Is Essential For a Healthy Nervous System
Getting sufficient vitamin B12 is important for the central nervous system.
May Help Protect/Fight Against Dementia
There are links between low vitamin B12 status and dementia, but there is currently not enough evidence to confirm the association.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Research shows that anyone in the following groups may have insufficient levels of vitamin B12;
Vegan and vegetarian dieters: avoidance of animal foods is a significant risk for B12 deficiency. This dietary choice necessitates supplementation or consumption of food fortified with B12.
People with gastrointestinal problems: gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease can reduce the absorption rate of dietary vitamin B12. Anyone with such issues (or suspected issues) should speak to their doctor/medical team.
The elderly: Older adults can sometimes develop a condition known as atrophic gastritis, which decreases the secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As a result, B12 is not properly absorbed.
Key Point: A vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely unlikely in healthy individuals consuming a range of animal foods. However, for other groups of people, supplementation may be necessary."
Above words taken from Michael Joseph's Nutrition Advance site.
His full article with related links can be seen here
https://www.nutritionadvance.com/vitamin-b12-benefits/
Another good and important article about Vitamin B12
'Why Some Diabetes Patients Taking Metformin Need More Vitamin B12'
can be found here
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/check-your-vitamin-b12-levels-if-you-take-metformin
All the best Jan
