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Vitamin B12 and New Research Concerning It

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin found naturally from eating body-building foods from animal products and by-products. Some foods, however, may contain additional ingredients of this vitamin. Human beings require Vitamin B12 for the bodies’ proper functioning. The body needs it for the formation of the red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for spreading oxygen in the body, and removing carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the body. Vitamin B12 also plays the role of controlling the operation of the neurological system and nerve communication. It plays an important role in forming DNA. The hormones, fats, and protein in the body need this vitamin to exist.

People who do not eat meat and animal by-products are prone to lack this vitamin. Such people will have symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, inflamed tongue, lack of balance and walking issues. If not detected early enough and treated, this deficiency may cause severe brain damage, infertility problems, cardiovascular disease of the heart and the most dreaded diseases of all, cancer of the stomach. When being diagnosed, the doctor will take tests to identify the possible diseases that share these symptoms and eliminate them. To determine the levels of Vitamin B12 in the system, a blood test is carried out. The average amount of Vitamin B12 consumed daily should be approximately 2.4mg. People who have undergone weight-loss surgery might also be at risk of lacking Vitamin B12, as the operation can lead to the body lacking the ability to absorb the vitamin. People who have celiac disease and aging persons with less stomach acid are other groups of people who may have a deficiency of the vitamin.

Recently, scientists have done their research and have discovered that vegans and vegetarians can get Vitamin B12 from plants. From research, it has been discovered that garden cress, a particular herb, can be grown and contain vitamin B12, depending on its surroundings. The herb can pull out the vitamin from the soil, where safe bacteria has been introduced. Therefore, this means that vegetables such as kale and lettuce can absorb the vitamin too. These vegetables can be fortified with vitamin B12, thus providing a safe and more natural way to ingest this vitamin into the body, rather than through taking supplements.

Taking supplements would work, but only if people would follow instructions on fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The breakthrough of the scientists has provided a path for many, especially because most people have turned to adopt a meat-free lifestyle in their diet. If you are among the groups that are at risk of having the deficiency of Vitamin B12, do not panic as your health will be guaranteed immediately you contact your doctor.