"Vitamin B-12"
So today we finish this series on B vitamins with vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy. And it helps make our DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Which aids in preventing a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.
So what are other benefits of this vitamin B12???
Well . . . It helps with red blood cell formation and anemia prevention, may prevent major birth defects, supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis, reduces the risk of macular degeneration, improves mood and symptoms of depression, benefits the brain by preventing the loss of neurons, give an energy boost, improves heart health by decreasing homocysteine and supports healthy hair, skin and nails.
So what are the symptoms of B12 deficiency???
Well . . . that would be a pale yellow tinge to the skin, a sore or red tongue, mouth ulcers, pins and needles (paranesthesia), changes in the way you walk and move around, disturbed vision, irritability and depression.
And, the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called "intrinsic factor", which can be caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance.
So how do we increase the amount of vitamin B12 in our diet???
Well . . . good sources of this vitamin are beef, liver, chicken, fish, shellfish, trout, salmon, tuna, clams, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs.
So I hope we all have learned a little more about the importance of our vitamin B's. (all of them).
Okay . . . so the best news of all is this . . . I found a "compliant" supplement that contains all the B vitamins . . . but vitamin B11 . . . and as we know . . . we can get this goodness from eating clams, beef liver, salmon, trout, ham, or yogurt.