Do You Need Vitamin B12 Supplement?

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.

Vitamin B12: Commonly Asked Questions

Vitamin B12, being a B complex vitamin, is needed for energy metabolism. Moreover, a lot of people tend have to the notion that all vitamins are alike, that is, they help keep the body healthy. Yes, the body needs them, but not all of them have the same roles in different processes and functions in the body. The vitamin is as important as the other vitamins but for different reasons. Here are some frequently asked questions about it and their corresponding answers.

1. How is it different from other B complex vitamins?

It is different from the other B complex vitamins in the sense that it has certain roles that are independent of this group of vitamins. One of its most important roles is the maintenance of the nervous system. It helps build myelin sheaths around the nerves, which protect the nerve fiber and increases the rate conduction of nerve impulses. Damage of myelin sheaths can lead to serious nervous system diseases. And, if you do not have enough levels of the vitamin in your body, the process of building myelin is negatively affected. Another important role it plays is in the production of healthy and new red blood cells.

2. What can happen if I do not have sufficient levels of it?

If you do not have enough Vitamin B12 in your body, you are at risk of developing serious diseases, including anemia and nerve damage, which is usually characterized by dementia, depression, and tingling of the hands and feet.

3. How do I make sure that I have sufficient levels of the vitamin?

It can be stored in your liver for a long period of time, but certain factors can cause your body's ability to absorb it. These include your diet, age, and health conditions with which you are diagnosed, including atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia. You can get your source of the vitamin from animal and animal products, such as meat, shellfish, egg, and milk. If you are vegan, you can get it from Vitamin B12-fortified foods and supplementation.