THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN B12 FOR HEALTH

Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is part of the family of b vitamins that help to keep the body in good condition. Foods such as meat, eggs, fish and live have adequate levels of vitamin B12. Although small amounts of vitamin B12 is needed by the body that must be taken every day. Without the aid of intrinsic factor vitamin B12 in the stomach can not be taken by the body. Although it is possible to get too much B12 in your daily intake will not cause problems in your body because only half of it is absorbed by the body. Vitamin B12 can also be reused by the human body. How Does Vitamin B12 Help the Body There are four areas where vitamin B12 is beneficial human body: 1. Vitamin B12 is essential to help the body convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. 2. Vitamin B12 can help prevent heart disease by helping to keep the red blood cells healthy. 3. Vitamin B12 helps white blood cells which consequently helps prevent disease through a healthy immune system. 4. Vitamin B12 is needed to form a protective shield around nerve cells are especially important in the brain. If there is a lack of B12 and the protective shield is not maintained then brain damage can occur. Anemia can occur if a person does not have sufficient levels of vitamin B12 in their system. Lack of vitamin B12 causes a decrease in red blood cells causes anemia. Children who do not eat properly will experience anemia. In addition, if the body does not have enough intrinsic factor to help B12 absorbed by the body then can lead to anemia. If someone is a vegetarian then they should take vitamin B12 supplements. To help the baby grow in the womb, pregnant women should also take extra vitamin B12 supplements. Intrinsic factors in the body decreases in people over fifty years so that they may have trouble absorbing large amounts of B12. For this reason people over fifty should consider supplements of vitamin B12 so that they can reduce their chances of developing anemia and other health problems