The B12 vitamin is one of the B vitamins that are essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise known as Cobalamin, the B12 vitamin is needed for the processes to convert the carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. B12 also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore prevents heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, Vitamin B12 is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of B12 is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need B12 to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need B12 to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need B12 to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is not sufficient B12 to create this protective layer then the brain will not be functioning properly.
Interestingly, the amount of B12 that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, B12 on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb B12 the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the B12 to be absorbed. B12 is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount of B-12. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the B12 that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the B12 which cuts down on the impact of a B12 deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require B12 supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain the vitamin.
If the body does not have enough B12 then anaemia is the most obvious symptom. Obviously, this is due to the fact that there is not enough B12 to make healthy red blood cells. Anaemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb the B12 that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to makes less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50 and this will lead to less B12 being absorbed and supplements of B12 may be required. Kids are also at risk from anaemia because they may not eat the foods that contain vitamin B12. Pregnant women may also need more B12 because the baby is absorbing B12 during the pregnancy to grow properly.
