The Importance of the 12 B Vitamin
The 12 B vitamin is one of the B vitamins that are essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise known as Cobalamin, the 12 B vitamin is needed for the processes to convert the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into energy. 12 B also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, 12 B is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
Function of 12 B Vitamin
The most important function of 12 B is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need 12 B to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need 12 B to help ensure that the immune system is functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need 12 B to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is not sufficient 12 B to create this protective layer, then the brain will not be functioning properly.
Absorption of 12 B Vitamin
Interestingly, the amount of 12 B that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, 12 B on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb 12 B, the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the 12 B to be absorbed. 12 B is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish, and meat, but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount of 12 B. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the 12 B that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the 12 B, which cuts down on the impact of a 12 B deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require 12 B supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain 12 B.
Deficiency of 12 B Vitamin
If the body does not have enough 12 B, then anemia is the most obvious symptom. This is due to the fact that there is not enough 12 B to make healthy red blood cells. Anemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb the 12 B that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to make less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50, and this will lead to less 12 B being absorbed, and supplements of 12 B may be required. Kids are also at risk from anemia because they may not eat the foods that contain 12 B. Pregnant women need more 12 B because the baby is absorbing 12 B during the pregnancy to grow properly.
