B12 comes from sources like fish, eggs, yogurt and now VitaCup.
b12

Why is Vitamin B12 Important for Your Health?

We all know that vitamins are an important part of a healthy diet, whether taken as a supplement or found naturally in our food, because they help initiate and maintain crucial bodily functions.  B vitamins, in general, help the body convert food into fuel. B12 is a special B vitamin that possesses unique benefits. At the same time, a lack of B12 can come with some potentially serious effects. 

Benefits of Vitamin B12

B12 is a vital nutrient. Most of us know it as the energy vitamin; however, its job goes even deeper – all the way through your nervous system. (Henriques, 2017; Thomas, 2017) In fact Vitamin B12:

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiencies are much easier to prevent than to treat (but they are treatable,) so it is extremely important to keep an eye on any symptoms before they become a serious problem. 

Be aware of a parallel issue between iron and B12 deficiencies. Although iron is a mineral (whereas B12 is a vitamin) it is often linked to B12 because they are found in similar foods (Perkins, 2011.)  Why is that important? First, a B12 deficiency or iron deficiency can easily be misdiagnosed.  But furthermore, because vitamin B12 can be assist the body with effective iron intake. 

Foods That Contain Vitamin B12

B12 is naturally found in meat, fish, and dairy products. You know the watery liquid on top of your yogurt? That’s natural whey and contains B12 – so don’t dump it out; mix it in and enjoy!  Also, for all our British friends: Marmite (a British food spread) has a high concentration of B12 and in a recent study was found to increase levels of GABA (refer to the ‘benefits’ section for a reminder on GABA’s super powers; Henriques, 2017).

The daily required intake for proper health maintenance in the U.S is relatively small, only 2.4 micrograms daily, but few foods contain rich sources of B12 (red meats and offal are highly effective.) More restricted diets, such as vegan/vegetarianism, omit many essential nutrients.  The good news is that people can take more than the recommended dose of B12, so it’s always better to play it safe and increase your vitamin intake (Obikoya, 2017)! 

TRY Our Vitamin Infused Coffee & Tea Pods, Loaded with Vitamin B12!

Who Specifically Needs to Take B12 Vitamins?

Vitamin B12, the energy vitamin, is important for everyone, especially because the consequences of a deficiency can be significant.  However, it is a bit controversial in that it is believed to be a vitamin that is usually easy to get enough of in your diet, but is also famous for being a vitamin that is difficult to be absorbed efficiently in individuals with a disorder where they lack the proper protein for its digestion. Keeping that in mind, the following list looks at “specialized” groups of people who may benefit more than others from upping their vitamin B12 intake: 

  1. Vegetarians and Vegans:
    • May struggle to meet an adequate daily intake amount of B12
    • Most common group of individual to become B12 deficient based on diet alone due to elimination of meat and dairy sources
  2. Mature and aging adults:
    • As you age, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food alone decreases, especially depending on individual health histories
  3. Athletes:
    • B12 is necessary for the process of converting sugars and proteins into energy
    • B12 is used for the production and repairing of cells (Obikoya, 2017; Scott & Malloy, 2012; Woolf & Manore, 2006)

So have we answered the question, “Why take vitamin B12?”  Let us know if there’s anything we missed or something you’d like to know a little more about!

Always consult a medical health professional before starting, stopping, or altering your diet or prescribed medications. 

References:
- Consumers Union of United States Inc. (2017). Some vitamins and minerals may carry more risks than benefits. Retrieved from: ConsumerReports.org/Health
- Hanton, R. (2012). Vitamin B12 and fertility. The LBC Health Group
- Obikoya, G. (2017). Why take vitamins? The Vitamin and Nutrition Center.
- Perkins, S. (2011). How does B12 deficiency cause iron-deficiency anemia? - Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/403678-anemia-weight-loss/
Scott, J. M. & Molloy, A. M. (2012). The discovery of vitamin B12. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. 61(3), 239-245.
- Thomas, A. (2017). Researchers study benefits of vitamin B12 in Marmite News Medical Life Sciences. News Medical Life Sciences.
- Woolf, K & Manore, M. M. (2006) B-vitamins and exercise: Does exercise alter requirements? International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 16(5), 453-484.

5 comments

I have Glaucoma and would like to know what is Best Vitamin for eyes.
I cannot swallow Gel pills. Pleaseeeee help me
Also what are best foods for eyes
Thank You

Maureen purcell

How much B12 me. S are in your products! How much vitamin me. List please!

Janet Blankenship

How many cups of coffee do you need to drink to get the amount of daily vitamins

Paula

Can you give % of each vitamin so we know how much we are getting?

LaVeta

Can you give % of each vitamin so we know how much we are getting?

LaVeta

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