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What is
it?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble
vitamin needed for normal cell activity. It is a part of a
group of cobalt containing B complex vitamins, which are
also known as cobalamins. Like other
B vitamins, vitamin
B12 is important for metabolism. It also helps in the
formation of red blood cells and in maintaining the central
nervous system.
What Does
in the Body?
Vitamin B12 benefits the human
body in three major ways: production of red blood cells,
formation of DNA and RNA, and maintaining the functional and
structural mechanisms in the nervous system.
Vitamin B12 benefits normal and
sufficient red blood cell formation, giving us enough energy
and strength to perform the normal activities of daily
living.
Vitamin B12 benefits nervous system health by
allowing for normal sensation and motion of our bodies, and
the ability to process information correctly.
Vitamin B12
benefits DNA and RNA replication which affects every
function and every cell in our bodies.
Where is it Found?
Principal food sources of vitamin B12 are: Meat,
poultry, milk,
liver, tuna, cheese, yogurt and eggs.
Recommended Daily Intakes: men 2.4 mg, women 2.4 mg,
pregnancy 2.6 mg, lactation 2.8 mg.
Symptoms Of Deficiency/Side Effects
Symptoms of
B12 vitamin deficiency are easy bruising,
dermatitis, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, lack of
breath, pale skin color, numbness, a sensation of pins and
needles, a burning sensation in the feet and sometimes
diarrhea and lowered resistance to infection. Other
symptoms may include a smooth, sore tongue and disorders of
menstrual cycle in women. |
