Vitamin B12 is the most powerful anti-anemic
agent known to date. Although it is water-soluble, B12 still accumulates, to
some extent, in the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen. The amount of remaining
vitamin is not important and can not have a toxic effect.
Vitamin B12: Sources of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products:
l chicken, beef, pig, and especially in theses animals' livers
l milk and dairy products
l eggs
l seafood - crabs, oysters, oysters;
l salmon and tuna
For vegetarians, the perfect choice is fortified
breakfast cereals.
The daily amount needed for an adult is 2.4 mcg
of Vitamin B12 per day.
Vitamin B12: Functions
l It plays a decisive role in the proper functioning of the nervous
system, helping to form the myelin sheath that envelops the nerve fibers,
essential for the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body. Thanks to
this function, Vitamin B12 is a precious ally in maintaining the acuity of the
touch and hearing, in the perception of pain, in balance, as well as in
enhancing the learning capacity, preventing memory loss and keeping mental
aplomb.
l Participates in the process of cell renewal, synthesis of iron, vitamin
C, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and vitamin B15 synthesis.
l It intervenes in the maturation process of red blood cells, thus
removing fatigue and anemia.
l Participates actively in the metabolism of proteins, lipids and
carbohydrates.
l Contributes to the normal functioning of cells, especially those in the
bone marrow.
l It has a beneficial role on the gastrointestinal tract.
l In addition, this vitamin also has an important role in protecting liver
cells because of its ability to prevent fat deposition in the liver.
Vitamin B12: Deficiency
When the digestive system is inadequate to
absorb this vitamin, there is a deficiency, and an inadequate diet (typical for
convinced vegetarians, who do not consume either dairy products or eggs) can
deplete Vitamin B12 reserves.
Also, the elderly are prone to the mentioned
deficit.
Common symptoms associated with vitamin B12
deficiency may include:
l constipation
l memory loss
l walking or movement difficulties
l anemia
l mood disorders
l numbness
l swelling of the tongue
l disorientation
l myelin dysfunction and dementia
An insufficient amount of Vitamin B12 would
allow the removal of a substance called homocysteine that, when it exceeds a
certain level, becomes harmful to brain cells.
At the same time, on the basis of its coagulant
property, which is a danger to artery walls, homocysteine may also be linked to
cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin B12: Important for babies
Vitamin B12 is indispensable for growth.
Pregnant or nursing women need extra portions of
Vitamin B12, as well as all other essential nutrients.
When pregnant, future mothers will pass some
amounts of Vitamin B12 to the baby in the womb and this Vitamin will contribute
to child development.
Also the infants who are breastfed from need to
receive these nutrients, so a Vitamin B12-rich diet is necessary for
breastfeeding moms.
The lack of Vitamin B12 can cause serious
problems for the health of the little ones.
Vitamin B12: Supplements
Nutritional supplements based on Vitamin B12 can
be found absolutely anywhere, from local stores, to pharmacies and online
stores.
Nowadays, there are also fruity juices and sodas
that contain Vitamin B12 and which can be bought from supermarkets or local
kiosks.
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