Vitamin B12 is essential for various functions in the body. As one of the B complex vitamins, it is needed for metabolism. Other than its function as a B vitamin, it is needed for DNA synthesis, formation of new and healthy red blood cells, and maintenance of the nervous system. It can be found in animals and animal products, and it can be stored in the liver for a long period of time. Because it is needed for vital processes in the body, deficiency of it has serious health implications, including nervous system disorders. Despite this, many people still do not see the need to get some supplementation of the vitamin even though they have the need to do so. Do you really need it? If your answer is yes to at least one of the following questions, then you should consider taking the supplement.
1. Are you vegan?
Vegans are at risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency because of their diet. It is because the food sources of the vitamin are animals and animal products, such as meat, shellfish, milk, and egg. Since they cannot get it from their diet, they can get it through supplementation.
2. Do you have atrophic gastritis?
Those who have atrophic gastritis are prone to developing deficiency of the vitamin because their stomach's ability to absorb it is decreased. The reason for this is that inflammation and thinning of the lining of the stomach as a result of the disease reduces the ability of the stomach to produce acid, which is needed for the absorption of the vitamin.
3. Are you diagnosed with pernicious anemia?
People who have pernicious anemia are strongly advised to take Vitamin B12 supplement. This is because the autoimmune disease stops the production of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein that the stomach releases that is needed for the absorption of the vitamin.
1. Are you vegan?
Vegans are at risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency because of their diet. It is because the food sources of the vitamin are animals and animal products, such as meat, shellfish, milk, and egg. Since they cannot get it from their diet, they can get it through supplementation.
2. Do you have atrophic gastritis?
Those who have atrophic gastritis are prone to developing deficiency of the vitamin because their stomach's ability to absorb it is decreased. The reason for this is that inflammation and thinning of the lining of the stomach as a result of the disease reduces the ability of the stomach to produce acid, which is needed for the absorption of the vitamin.
3. Are you diagnosed with pernicious anemia?
People who have pernicious anemia are strongly advised to take Vitamin B12 supplement. This is because the autoimmune disease stops the production of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein that the stomach releases that is needed for the absorption of the vitamin.
