Nutritional Supplements are one way to get your vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B-12, also known as Cobalamins, is needed to support certain activities within the body. It is one of eight B vitamins; all play an important role in maintaining a healthy body. Vitamin B-12 is water soluble. It is available in animal foods and fortified products.
Sources
Vitamin B-12 is found in liver.
The only natural and dependable source of vitamin B-12 is in animal products, such as liver, kidneys, tuna, beef, eggs, milk and yogurt. Vitamin B-12 can be prescribed. It may be given as an injection, as a medication gel applied through the nose, as a nutritional supplement or as a tablet that you place under the tongue for direct absorption.
Benefits
Vitamin B-12 is needed for a healthy body.
A healthy body requires vitamin B-12. It supports normal growth and development and it converts carbohydrates, fats and protein to energy. Vitamin B-12 supports red blood cell structure, maintains nerve cells, and it helps with the production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)--the genetic material of cells.
There are reportedly no side effects even when high amounts are consumed, however, vitamin B-12 levels may be affected by some medications. If you are taking medications, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
Vegetarians
Cheese contains vitamin B-12.
According to The Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom seaweed, algae, and soy have some but not enough for vegetarians to rely on. For adequate amounts of vitamin B-12, vegetarians should consume B-12 enriched foods such as cereals, yeast extracts, veggie burgers, soy milks, vegetable proteins, dairy products and vegetarian cheese.
Deficiency Signs
Vitamin B-12 injections treat deficiency.
Most people who consume meat, eggs and dairy products are not deficient in vitamin B-12. According to The Office of Dietary Supplements the primary reasons for vitamin B-12 deficiency are the inability to absorb it through foods, having a condition called pernicious anemia, post surgical malabsorption, and nutrition deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite, constipation, imbalance, dementia, confusion, memory failure, tenderness in the mouth and tongue, pernicious anemia and neurological changes, such as lack of sensation and tingling in hands and feet.
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