Are you getting enough Vitamin B12? Research shows that Vitamin B12 deficiency may be on the increase, as many of us simply aren’t getting enough for best health and wellbeing.
It’s estimated that the United States and United Kingdom have approximately 20% of adults older than 60 experiencing a Vitamin B12 deficiency, while approximately 6% of adults younger than 60 are deficient, according to studies from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. [1]
This figure could be rising because of various diet and lifestyle factors that may not provide/or may deplete the full range of adequate nutrients – including B12, that is necessary for good health.
How much Vitamin B12 your body needs varies by age, along with various diet and lifestyle factors, so these need to be taken into consideration.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in producing red blood cells and affects the amount of oxygen your body receives. This can help you to feel energised, and reduce your chances of fatigue.
Getting enough Vitamin B12 can also ensure a healthy nervous system and metabolism. You can find good sources of Vitamin B12 in animal based foods such as meat, fish, cheese and eggs.
If you’re not getting enough Vitamin B12, general symptoms of a deficiency may include:
- Extreme tiredness
- A lack of energy
- Pins and needles
- Sore or red tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle weakness
- Disturbed vision
- Psychological problems including depression and confusion
- Problems with memory, understanding and judgement
It’s important to note that although some of these many symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by consistent B12 deficiency, can eventually be difficult to reverse.
How Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occur?
Most commonly, Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur because of:
A vegetarian or vegan diet – If not planned correctly, it can be common for vegetarians or vegans to experience deficiencies, so it’s recommended to take Vitamin B12 supplements and ensure you are eating enough foods fortified with Vitamin B12 for best health. This is because B12 isn’t found in plant foods, only animal products and fortified foods, so that’s why it’s essential for vegans to supplement with B12
Pernicious Anaemia – Elderly people are more likely to be low in B12 due to malabsorption issues, and in some cases this can lead to pernicious anaemia. This is where the immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach, thereby preventing your body from absorbing Vitamin B12 from the food you eat. In the UK, this is the most common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Certain Medicines – Anticonvulsants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can affect how much B12 stores in the body.
How To Ensure You Get Enough Vitamin B12
Eating foods rich in Vitamin B12 is one option. For example you might decide to include organic meats, fish, eggs or some cheese into your diet to ensure you are getting enough.
However, this isn’t an option for vegetarians and vegans – who may consciously avoid eating animal products for health or ethical reasons.
That’s why we recommend taking a daily Vitamin B12 supplement for best health and energy levels.
We recommend the NEW Ionic Vitamin B12 from Good Health Naturally!
This highly bioavailable form of B12 as methylcobalamin, provides Vitamin B12 in the form most recognised by the body.
Ionic Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in multiple metabolic functions, including enzyme production, DNA synthesis, hormone balance, energy production along with healthy nerve, brain and cardiovascular function.
As an easy to take liquid, it can be taken off the spoon using a metred dropper. Alternatively, you can also add it to juice or food as desired.
Ionic Vitamin B12 provides flexible dosing to suit all ages and is a convenient option for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, or who have digestive challenges.
Containing no unnecessary ingredients, Ionic Vitamin B12 is also non-GMO, gluten-free and contains no known allergens.
Want To Learn More About The Benefits of Vitamin B12?
You can discover more about the benefits of Vitamin B12 in our range of articles below.
9 SYMPTOMS OF B12 DEFICIENCY THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
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VEGANS MUST TAKE VITAMIN B12 FOR BEST HEALTH
A vegan diet is increasing in popularity due to its various health benefits, yet recent research shows that vegans may be Vitamin B12…
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HERE’S WHY YOU MAY NOT KNOW YOU HAVE A VITAMIN B12…
Are you suffering with low levels of energy and fatigue? Your doctor may see this as a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency…
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