Vitamin B12 is the only component of the essential B-complex vitamins that cannot be sufficiently obtained via plants. Because of this, most vegetarians take a Vitamin B12 supplement. However, B12 supplementation may also be important for meat eaters. Modern-day meat production practices and declining soil quality have stripped most animal products of the bulk of the B12 nutrient that naturally comes from bacteria. And a B12 deficiency can lead to weakness, fatigue, digestive issues, nerve problems, cognitive impairment, and even vision loss.
Studies also indicate that the absorption of food sources of Vitamin B12 decreases as we age. Therefore, an increased intake of vitamin B12 is recommended for adults above fifty, regardless of dietary practices.
Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and DNA production. It helps regulate the formation of red blood cells in the body and plays an important role in maintaining and increasing energy levels. Vitamin B12 also helps curb atherosclerosis and, in conjunction with folic acid, helps counter heart disease and thrombosis. B12 supplementation also supports cognitive function and heals neurological impairment in older individuals.
Vitamin B12 comes in several forms but is generally recommended in its methylcobalamin form, which requires no metabolic steps for its ingestion. It’s available as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue so that the digestive system doesn’t have the chance to modify the molecule. Taken this way, vitamin B12 directly penetrates the bloodstream and gets right to work. I take the Jarrow B12 tablet, available online or in vitamin shops.
An extra dose of B12 causes no harm and could even be stored for future use. So take your vitamin B12 – one tablet per day – and make sure your B-complex bases are covered!
