Our bodies need vitamins to function normally. One of the most important vitamins that we should take is Vitamin B12. It helps our bodies to perform different activities throughout the day. It is a requirement for effective metabolism and helps in forming red blood cells which carries the oxygen into different parts of the body via the blood stream. Lack of it will affect different functions of the body and soon it will die.
There are two types of vitamins. The first one is known as fat soluble vitamins. These are usually stored in the body that vitamin deficiency of this type is rare. The other category is know as water soluble vitamins and these are not stored and goes directly in the blood stream.
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin yet in can be stored in body. However, the body sometimes does not absorb it properly. Thus, we need to eat food rich in vitamin B12 to replenish the deficit. If we cannot do it then our bodies become weak and will not be able to function properly. To determine if we have adequate supply of vitamin b12, one should see a doctor immediately.
There are only rare cases of Vitamin b12 deficiency. However, it does not mean that we do not have to take care of it. For some reason, our body does not utilize Vitamin B12 in the body thus creating Vitamin B12 deficiency in some cases
The most practical way to get this vitamin is on the food we eat. We must include in our diet the following; shellfish, dairy products, chicken, and beef. There are also cases that we need supplements to supply our body with Vitamin B12
Vegetarians are also encouraged to take B12 supplements as they do not eat food rich in B12 such as poultry and beef meat. Those with diet restrictions due to health complications are advised as well to take B12 supplements.
An inadequate supply of Vitamin B12 can also lead to pernicious anemia. Individuals who are suffering from this condition shows the following symptoms; loss balance, lack of strength, weird sensation in different parts of the body, and numbness.
If you are worried that you might be suffering from pernicious anemia or just plain deficit of Vitamin B12 in our body, you need to see a doctor to determine if there is a need for Vitamin B12 supplement.