Vitamin B12: What is it for, benefits and where can it be found?

Vitamin B12 derived from animal origin contributes to maintaining health levels in humans and is a key nutrient in all diets.  Its importance is related with its contribution towards the adequate functioning of the central nervous system as well as its role in the synthesis of important blood components. Some of its main functions are:

• Contribute to adequate metabolism. Optimizing the absorption and utilization of ingested protein.
• Promotes the synthesis of red blood cells.
• Contributes in oxygen transport to internal organs.
• Strengthens the body’s overall energy levels.

In short, vitamin B12 is essential for the well-being and overall health of individuals. Hence,its absence in any diet can lead to all kinds of health problems.

Where can it be found?

As we said, this type of nutrient is found mainly in foods of animal origin, such as:

• Poultry meat (chickens, broilers…)
• Beef or pork
• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs
• Fish

The livestock sector is mainly responsible for the production of vitamin B12 rich foods. Considering the fact that the main source for this nutrient is found in those animals that are raised within the agricultural sector.

Benefits

Some of the major many benefits associated with the consumption of vitamin B12 rich foods are:

• It reduces risk of anemia.
• Contributes to the body’s energy supply in order to face daily and physical activities
• Decreases the risk of dizziness
• Contributes to strengthening the immune system, which in turn enhances the resistance to viruses and other diseases.
• Improves skin health, as well as that of hair and nails.
• Contributes to a better and faster healing of wounds.

What happens when diets have low levels of this nutrient?

A diet with low vitamin B12 levels can have detrimental health effects. People who do not include this type of nutrient in their diet, experience extreme weakness and  constant exhaustion. They tend to feel as if they are lacking strength and they are highly prone to becoming sick.

It is normal for this type of problem to appear in those whose diets are mainly composed of plant based foods. Although it is true that pharmacies sell over-the-counter vitamin supplements for people whose diets are 100% vegan or vegetarian in order to mitigate deficiencies, these supplements can also cause several side effects. Therefore, people who decide to adopt this type of diets, must resort to qualified nutritionists and physicians in order to receive proper guidance regarding the supplements that they must incorporate.

You may also like to read: “Fat soluble vitamins: A review of their levels in animal feed”