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Vitamin B12Due to its role in energy metabolism, vitamin B12 is frequently promoted as an energy enhancer and an athletic performance and endurance booster. Vitamin B12 or simply B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. B-Complex and Vitamin C are water-soluble as well. Water-soluble vitamins need regular replacement in the body as they are eliminated quite quickly. Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues and remain in the body.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
When you stop taking B12, it takes about 2 years for any signs of deficiency to arise. This is because it is stored in the liver. A deficiency in B12 causes an accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. B12 deficiency as well as deficiency of vitamin D is associated with decreased bone density, especially in middle aged and elderly women. According to a new study, bone loss or osteoporosis is seen even in vegetarians because of B12 deficiency. Sources of B12 B12 is available only from animal sources and thus strict vegetarians are at a risk of deficiency. B12 is bound to animal protein and released by gastric acid. When taken as part of food, B12 is released from food by a combination of gastric acid and pepsin (an enzyme). B12 is absorbed in the terminal ileum (the end of the small bowel, just prior to the large bowel). Foods that Contain B12
liver salt water fish oysters poultry eggs milk milk products B12 is generally not present in plant foods, but fortified breakfast cereals are a readily available source with high bioavailability for vegetarians. Some Nutritional Yeast products also contain B12. I sprinkle Nutritional Yeast on my salads and put it in my green blender shake every morning. Fortified foods vary in formulation, so it is important to read product labels to determine which added nutrients they contain. B12 has the potential to interact with certain medications. In addition, several types of medications might adversely affect B12 levels. It is important to check with your doctor, if you are on other medications. There are fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. B12 is water-soluble vitamin. It has a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Database Web site lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides a comprehensive list of foods containing B12. Vitamins are essential nutrients your body needs in small amounts for various roles in the human body. The B-Complex vitamins have the closest association with the health of the nervous system. Refined grain products, coffee and tea are some vitamin B-Complex robbers. Remember, the body only needs small amounts of any vitamin.
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