Vitamin B12 overview

Vitamin B12 is one of the 8 B-complex vitamins that work together to encourage a normal functioning of the brain, nervous system and formation of the blood. It is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body and affects DNA synthesis and regulation as well as fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

This particular B vitamin is found in a variety of animal food products like meat, poultry and seafood as well as milk, cheese and eggs. Most people who incorporate these types of food sources into their diets are unlikely to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as they will gain the recommended levels through food intake alone. The only way these people will experience a deficiency is if their bodies find difficulty in absorbing the vitamin from foods. Vegetarians and vegans are therefore more at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency as their diets are restricted and foods containing vitamin B12 are not included. This is where vitamin B12 supplements have become increasingly popular, as they ensure that recommended vitamin levels are achieved without the need to alter your daily diets and therefore still preventing the body from vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.

Vitamin B12 replacement by taking daily supplements could be necessary for life and should be taken as soon as possible. For most people, the vitamin B12 treatment should resolve anaemia; however some nerve damage that has occurred as a result of deficiency could be permanent.

Vitamin B12 can also be taken for a variety of other health benefits including boosting mood, energy and concentration, enhancing immunity and slowing the ageing process. It is also used for heart disease, male infertility, diabetes, sleep disorders, depression, mental disorders, osteoporosis, asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, skin diseases and infections and preventing cervical and other forms of cancer.