Vitamin B12 is a member of the B Complex, a group of vitamins, each with a unique function in the body, but synergistically regarded for how they help the body's cells produce energy. Vitamin B12, along with thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin, and folate make up the B Complex. B12 is essential to the production of new DNA, red blood cells, proteins, hormones and fats, as well as regulating mood and maintaining healthy nervous and immune systems.
Why People Become Deficient in B12
The aging process, a vegan diet, stress, certain medications, and illness can alter your body's ability to utilize B12 from food. Medications, such as those for reflux or Type 2 diabetes, affect B12 absorption. Also, if you've had major surgery, have digestive problems, or Celiac Disease you have an increased risk for B12 deficiency. If you aren't getting enough B12 through diet or your body isn't absorbing or using it efficiently you can become deficient. This can lead to a range of health problems: intense fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble concentrating, anemia, depression, and even numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. B12 deficiency affects up to 15% of people in the U.S.
Most people who eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products get enough B12. Vegans are advised to take supplements because B12 is not found in sufficient amounts in plant foods. Caution should be taken with fortified foods. Carefully read labels for nutrition claims and ingredients, as these foods can be loaded with preservatives that don't contribute to your health. As a nutritional supplement, B12 is available as:
a multivitamin or a B-complex - often the best approach for prevention in people who don't already have a deficiency
a prescription for injection or as a nasal gel
a tablet that dissolves under the tongue (sublingual)
Taking a B12 supplement when you don't have a deficiency isn't proven to provide any health benefit, yet many people find they feel better with increased energy. A Modica Wellness Solutions holistic practitioner can determine if you have a B12 deficiency by blood test and then work with you to determine the best form of supplement for your health needs.
Resources
NIH.Gov "Vitamin B-12 Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet." Accessed 5 Oct 2017: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/ MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Online. "Vitamin B12" Accessed 5 Oct 2017: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002403.htm Patrick, S.J., "Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can be Sneaky, Harmful." Harvard Health Newsletter. Accessed Oct 7 2017: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780 HealthLine.com "What is Vitamin B12?" Accessed 12 Oct 2017: https://www.healthline.com/health/b12-vitamins-for-energy Leonard, Jayne. "Vitamin B12 shots: Uses, benefits, and side effects." Posted 4 July 2017 at MedicalNewsToday.com; Accessed 12 Oct 2017: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318216.php NIH.Gov "Vitamin B12" Accessed on 6 Nov 2017: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/