Health Benefits of Vitamin B12
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that our bodies require to form red blood cells and make DNA. B12 is also required for our brain and nerve cell function.
It is an essential nutrient for our bodies to function effectively and efficiently.
How much Vitamin B12 do we need?
The amount of Vitamin B12 that you need will depend on what stage of life you are at. Children need about 0.9-1.8 micrograms, teens and adults 2.4 mcg, and pregnant or breastfeeding women need slightly more 2.6 and 2.8 mcg.
Where to get your Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is found in most animal products and is fortified in many other foods. You can find fortified Vitamin B12 cereal, nutritional yeast, and some other food products.
As someone who follows a vegan diet, I highly recommend that anyone following a plant predominant diet take a B12 supplement. Since plants do not contain Vitamin B12 supplementation is a helpful tool to make sure that you are providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function. properly.
What are the signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects 3-43% of adults. It can take a long time for a deficiency to appear because your body stores an excess of B12. It can take years for signs of a deficiency to begin to appear.
Signs of a Vitamin B12 deficiency are:
Fatigue
Weakness
Nerve problems
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Other more subtle symptoms may appear like depression, lack of energy, etc.
A blood test is the most accurate way to check if your B12 levels are where they should be. At your next doctor’s visit I recommend asking your doctor about getting your blood work done especially if you have never had it done or if it has been a long time.
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