Vitamin B12: what is it for, benefits and contraindications

Did you know that there are vitamins and substances, such as amino acids, that are essential for the proper functioning of the human body? The problem is that sometimes due to an unbalanced diet or factors such as stress, we are unable to get the minimum recommended amount and this can lead to health problems in the medium term. When vitamin B12, Moreover, shortages can become a serious problem.

However, there are Nutritional supplements it can help us achieve this. However, before we know whether we should take them or not, we are going to delve into the secrets that vitamin B12 hides with the help of an expert.

Vitamin B12: what is it for?

Vitamin B12 is “transcendent” for formation of red blood cells and maintenance of the central nervous system, Explain Maria Aguirre, nutritionist at BluaU de Sanitas. In addition, it plays a role “key” in cell metabolism and in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, Add.

Given the role this substance plays in the body, Aguirre argues that it is “important” to ensure an adequate supply through balanced diet including products such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs, or through supplements if medically recommended.

Vitamin B12 Products

According to a nutritionist, vitamin B12 are produced mainly by microorganisms present in the soil and the gastrointestinal tract of animals such as cows or sheep. These microorganisms synthesize it from compounds such as cobalt and other nutrients found in the environment. Thus, animals consuming food containing these microorganisms or grazing on soils rich in cobalt They absorb vitamin B12 and store it in tissues and organs.

When people consume animal products containing vitamin B12, the substance is absorbed in the small intestine and then transported to the liver, where it is stored. From there it is distributed throughout the tissues. foods containing vitamin B12 are:

• Meat: Liver is an “excellent” source of vitamin B12, Aguirre details. In addition, this substance is also found in lean meats such as beef, chicken and pork.
• Fish: Salmon, trout and tuna are rich in this vitamin.
• Lactic: Milk, cheese and yogurt are “good sources” of vitamin B12.
• Eggs: contain “significant” amounts of this substance.

However, Those on a vegetarian or vegan diet may find it “more difficult” to get vitamin B12. necessary from natural sources, warns the nutritionist. In these cases, it is “important” to consider using supplements or fortified foods.

Excess vitamin B12

As we have already seen, the benefits of vitamin B12 are numerous as its function is vital for the proper functioning of the body. However, too much vitamin B12 can cause “mild” side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset. Yes indeed These are usually “very rare” symptoms, – the nutritionist points out.

Additionally, in “extremely rare” cases and in people “with certain medical conditions” such as kidney disease, excessive accumulation of vitamin B12 in the body this can cause:

• Disorders in the nervous system.
• Changes in blood clotting.
• Cardiovascular complications.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to “consequences such as megaloblastic anemia (abnormally large red blood cells) or irreversible neurological damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep in mind that the recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 “varies depending on age, gender, and other individual conditions,” Aguirre says.

For “most adults” The recommended daily dose is at least 2.4 micrograms. (mcg), although during pregnancy and lactation these requirements may increase slightly to 2.6 and 2.8 mcg, respectively. vitamin B12 deficiency can be translated into the following general signs:

• Fatigue.
• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
• Problems with memory and concentration.
• Mood changes (depression, irritability, etc.).

Vitamin B12 Supplement

On platforms Online How Amazon You can find vitamin B12 in tablets and other formats from different brands, but in the Showroom we settled on VesWorld, what is the amount more than 25,000 reviews and is best-seller on that website.

Vitamin B12 for World Weight

This vegan supplement includes Each tablet contains 1000 mcg of vitamin B12. According to the manufacturer, each (lot includes 450 units) It comes from the “purest” form of vitamin B12: methylcobalamin. Moreover, this very easy to swallow, since they are only 6 mm in size. Likewise, tablets They are gluten and GMO free.

Can I take vitamin B12 without a prescription?

According to nutritionist Aguirre: “It is always advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist.” in determining individual needs and the best way to obtain the required amount of vitamin B12.

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*All prices included in this article are updated as of May 19, 2024.