If you have mental fogginess or problems with your memory; if you have mood swings, a feeling of apathy or lack of motivation; if you feel fatigue easily, a lack of energy, muscle weakness, tingling in your arms or legs and if you are also vegetarian or vegan: You might be suffering from Vitamin B12 insufficiency!
Vitamin B12 is well known as the “energy vitamin. It is an essential micronutrient for many critical bodily functions, including energy production, immune system support, and the formation of red blood cells.
One of the most important functions of vitamin B12 is building the myelin which insulates and protects your nerve endings and allows them to communicate with one another.
In the recent studies, nearly half of the American population has suboptimal B12 level in their blood. And, in India – the primarily vegetarian based culture, nearly 80% of the adults are deficient in Vitamin B12.
Vegetarian and Vegan Beware!
Vitamin B12 is present only in animal sources of food. If you’re a strict vegetarian or vegan, the deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in less than optimal nervous system function, a tendency toward nervousness, and even less-than-optimal eye health.
The few plant foods that are sources of B12 are actually B12 analogs. An analog is a substance that blocks the uptake of true B12, so your body’s need for the nutrient actually increases.
Age Does Matter!
Vitamin B12 deficiency is progressive with age: first, you are not getting enough from the diet and second, as we age, we lose the ability to absorb it. This is because our stomach loses the ability to produce sufficient hydrochloric acid that releases Vitamin B12 from the food digested.
Even worse, the overuse of antacids or anti ulcer drugs lower the stomach acid further and aggravate the mal-absorption of Vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
The under secretion of stomach acid could cause the proliferation of Helicobactor pylori, one of the prime causes of stomach ulcers, this in turn causes Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Another factor is so called intrinsic factor insufficiency – the stomach lining loses its ability to produce a protein that binds to vitamin B12 and allows your body to absorb it at the end of your small intestine.
Why Vitamin B12 is So Important for Your Health
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, however, unlike other water-soluble vitamins, B12 doesn’t exit your body quickly in urine. It is stored in your liver, kidneys and other body tissues. As a result, a deficiency may not show itself for a number of years, depending on your diet and your body’s ability to efficiently absorb B12.
Studies showed that 7 years of B12 deficiency can result in irreversible brain damage.
You body needs B12 for:
• proper digestion, food absorption, iron use, carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• healthy nervous system function
• promotion of normal nerve growth and development
• help with regulation of the formation of red blood cells
• cell formation and longevity
• proper circulation
• adrenal hormone production
• healthy immune system function
• support of female reproductive health and pregnancy
• feelings of well-being and mood regulation
• mental clarity, concentration, memory function
• physical, emotional and mental energy
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
1. mental fogginess
2. problems with your memory
3. mood swings
4. lack of motivation
5. feelings of apathy
6. fatigue and a lack energy
7. muscle weakness
8. tingling in your extremities
9. More serious health problems: depression, dementia etc
10. Anemia
11. Sleep Problems
12. Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions
13. Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
14. Cancer
15. B12 deficiency can also affects fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Therefore, if you:
• Are a vegan or vegetarian
• Are over 50
• Take antacids or anti-ulcer medication
• Take Metformin© for diabetes
• Take other prescription drugs known to deplete your B12 stores (see list above)
• Drink four or more cups a coffee a day
• Have or had an H. pylori bacterial infection
• Have had weight loss surgery
• Have been exposed to nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Suffer from indigestion, heartburn or GERD
• Have symptoms or warning signs of a possible B12 deficiency:
- Mental fogginess or problems with your memory
- Mood swings, a feeling of apathy or lack of motivation
- Fatigue, a lack of energy, muscle weakness, tingling in your arms or legs
===> Supplement B12 ASAP!
Not All Vitamin B12 Are The Same!
VRP Vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin, Sublingual Liquid. Methylcobalamin is the active, functional form of vitamin B12 and the sublingual delivery ensures better utilization (most B12 vitamin supplements are cyanocobalamin and rely on conversion for use).
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