Vitamins, minerals and supplements are important for the wellbeing of the human body, whether you take those in via your diet or via pills and potions that you take as part of your daily routine.
The body is not able to make its own vitamins, and thus they must come from external sources. Vitamin B12 is an important B vitamin that supports wellness through having an active role in the function of all living cells in the human body. Due to its prevalence in so many different types of body functions, it is worth paying special attention to B12 and making sure that you are getting enough of it. Recent research carried out in the United States has shown that around 25 percent of adults are deficient in B12 while a further 50 percent had borderline levels of B12 and were therefore in extreme danger of becoming deficient in this vitamin. Further studies carried out in the United Kingdom stated that around 40 percent of the population is suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 can play a role in the nervous system, as it helps to produce myelin, the insulating sheath that wraps around the electrical wires in the brain. Without it, the brain can short-circuit and produce problems such as headaches, numbness, pain, sleep disorders, psychosis, hyperactivity, fatigue and loss of memory.
Vitamin B12 is also linked to a number of other health conditions, such as anaemia (lack of iron in the blood), heart disease, cancer and infertility.
Vegetarians are more at risk than meat eaters, as B12 is highest in animal products. The over 50s also suffer greatly from a deficiency as their ability to absorb the vitamin from their food decreases with age. Similarly, people with digestive problems may have lower levels of B12 due to absorption problems. People taking certain types of medication may find that their levels of B12 are affected, especially those on anti-ulcer medication, metformin, anti psychotics, tuberculosis medications, birth control, cholesterol-lowering drugs and drugs from Parkinson’s. Alongside high levels of tea and coffee consumption, these drugs are known to affect your body’s ability to absorb B12.
Natural sources of B12 include seafood, eggs, organic goats’ milk, fermented foods and organic organ meats.
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