Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 (also known as Riboflavin) is a water-soluble component of the B Complex suite of vitamins. These are several vitamins that come in various forms. The most stable of these forms is call cobalamin, which is synthesized by bacteria. In the stomach hydrochloric acid and another substance called pepsin work together to release this form of the substance. Very small amounts of the vitamin are stored in the body, and of this amount, about 80% is stored in the liver. Therefore receiving an adequate supply will require supplementation in the form of food and supplements.

Vitamin B12 is found mainly in dairy products, eggs and meat (especially lamb’s liver and kidneys), and therefore vegetarians in particular are in need of additional supplementation. Some research has turned up the possibility that plants such as soy, seaweed and algae may contain substantial amounts of the vitamin from which vegetarians can derive their minimum daily intake. However, results are inconclusive about how bioavailable these amounts of the vitamin are to humans. Therefore it is not recommended that anyone rely on plants to receive an adequate daily supply.

Vitamin B12 is extremely beneficial for a number of bodily functions. It mainly assists in building healthy red blood cells and the mature functioning of the nervous system. It promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and cooperates with folic acid to synthesize DNA and red blood cells, particularly those that surround nerve cells (known as myelin sheath).

An adequate supply of the vitamin cannot be obtained from food sources alone, as the average American diet delivers only about 5 to 15mcg daily of the vitamin. A Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself in several forms, but the most prominent are in anemia and in neurological disorders. The neurological dysfunction brings about symptoms that resemble advanced senility or even Alzheimer’s disease. It is commonly believed that many hospital patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are actually deficient in this crucial vitamin. Other symptoms of inadequate supplementation include asthma, depression and multiple sclerosis, among others.

It is therefore very important to ensure that you receive adequate supply of Vitamin B12 each day, to prevent any possibility of Vitamin B12 deficiency. The actual supply needed is small, but since the vitamin is not absorbed very well by the body, often supplementation is needed. Since cobalamin must be converted to one of several derivative substances before the body can absorb it properly, sublingual supplementation of the vitamin has been recommended for its instant absorption by the blood stream. To correct a deficiency, 2000 micrograms per day are recommended; for everyone else the recommended dosage is 1000 micrograms per day. As always, be sure that any supplementation you buy is pharmaceutical GMP compliant.

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