Vitamin B12 - The essential vitamin for energy and health
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for humans and many other living things, but unlike other nutrients, our bodies cannot produce it themselves. Therefore, it is important to take it with food or through supplements to ensure long-term health. A study by the Helmholtz Zentrum München has shown that vitamin B12 deficiency is very common in all population strata and age groups due to its absence in many foods.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: symptoms
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in metabolism, energy production and red blood cell formation. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from fatigue and pallor to nausea and shortness of breath. A regular supply of B12 is necessary for our bodies to function normally.
Symptoms usually develop gradually and can include fatigue, pale skin, loss of appetite and weight loss, as well as memory problems, confusion, depression and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. It is important to know that these types of symptoms can have many different causes. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis is beneficial to avoid serious complications such as anemia or even permanent nerve damage due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
It eliminates aggressive free radicals and therefore plays an essential role in the human immune system.
What do we need vitamin B12 for?
Vitamin B12 is vital for a healthy body and affects various processes in the body. It plays an important role in the nervous system and helps maintain the health of nerve cells and strengthen communication between them. Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and helps transport oxygen throughout the body. It is also needed for the proper metabolism of folic acid, which is necessary for DNA synthesis, repair, and cell division and growth. A deficiency of B12 can lead to anemia and other serious complications such as fatigue, confusion, memory impairment, insomnia and depression.
In addition, vitamin B12 not only keeps the body functioning optimally, but also supports a strong immune system. Research has shown that an adequate intake of vitamin B12 can reduce the risk of infection from bacteria or viruses because it boosts the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. In short, adequate vitamin B12 intake in our diets is essential not only for optimal performance, but also for maintaining good overall health.
Symptoms of a deficiency:
A deficiency is an imbalance in the body caused by an insufficient supply of a particular nutrient. Deficiency symptoms have become increasingly common due to inadequate nutrition, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions. Deficiency symptoms are usually manifested by physical and emotional difficulties such as sleep disorders, dizziness, depression, difficulty concentrating, muscle weakness with cramps, or even memory loss. These problems can greatly affect people's energy and concentration levels.
If any of these symptoms occur over a long period of time, it may indicate a deficiency. However, many deficiency symptoms go undiagnosed because underlying conditions are not properly treated or because people do not get tested before serious symptoms appear. You should see your doctor if you suspect you have a deficiency of a substance important to your health, such as vitamin B12 or iron. A doctor can diagnose the problem with scans and tests and give advice on the right supplements or dietary changes to correct the imbalance.
Solution for Vegetarians & Vegans?
Vegetarians and vegans eat a diet free of animal products and therefore need to look for alternative sources of some important vitamins like B12. B12 enables the body to make red blood cells and maintain normal nervous system function. Therefore, it is extremely important that vegetarians and vegans ensure adequate intake every day.
The best sources of B12 come from meat, dairy products, and eggs; therefore, people on plant-based diets must actively seek other ways to get enough B12. BianVie's vitamin B12 supplement offers a solution to meet vitamin B12 needs. It comes in the form of a cherry-flavored lozenge, which increases bioavailability and improves absorption through the oral mucosa.
What is the recommended daily requirement?
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 is 2.5 to 6 micrograms to meet this need. Foods that contain about 3 micrograms of vitamin B12 include 40 g of salmon, 100 g of Emmental cheese, 200 g of salami and 200 g of boiled eggs. However, since the vitamin B12 content in these foods varies, you should consume multiple sources and have your vitamin B12 level checked regularly by a doctor.
When does a deficiency occur?
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin that the body needs to stay healthy. It contributes to the function of nerves and blood cells and is also essential for metabolic processes. Unfortunately, deficiency of this vital vitamin can occur even when intake is normal. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of B12 deficiency.
Fortunately, the human body has natural stores of vitamin B12 that can last up to three or five years before they are depleted. However, depending on individual health and lifestyle, it is possible that this supply may be much shorter than expected. Intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food, leading to deficiency over time. In addition, people with conditions that affect their ability to absorb fats may have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 because it is naturally bound to proteins in foods such as fish, eggs and dairy products. Thus, people may become deficient in vitamin B12 even if they consume adequate amounts in their diet.
What should be done about a deficiency?
If one has concerns about a deficiency, it is important to have a blood test done by a doctor to determine exactly what is lacking. If the results indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency, it can be corrected with relatively simple injections or tablets containing the necessary vitamin B12. Vitamin C is also an essential element in our bodies whose main function is to support tissue growth and repair of body cells. Ascorbic acid may also play a role in boosting the immune system, reducing stress levels and increasing overall energy levels. However, it does not have any magical healing properties, nor does it have any effect on serious diseases such as cancer. Ultimately, medical advice should be sought before taking any supplement or medication for a nutrient deficiency.
Both Vitamin-B12 and soon Vitamin-C can be found in our online store as an easy daily alternative source.
Our recommendation before use: check your blood with your doctor.
It is advisable to consult a doctor before deciding whether or not vitamin B12 supplementation is necessary. The doctor can assess a person's medical history and symptoms and then decide if testing is necessary. Before determining treatment with vitamins and minerals, a blood test is often required. This ensures that the proposed treatments are based on facts and not just guesses or hasty assumptions.