The 12 b vitamin is one of the b vitamins that are essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise known as Cobalamin, the 12b vitamin is needed for the processes to convert the carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. 12 b vitamin also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, 12 b vitamin is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of 12 b vitamin is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need 12 b vitamin to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need 12 b vitamin to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need 12 b vitamin to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is not sufficient 12 b vitamin to create this protective layer then the brain will not be functioning properly.
Interestingly, the amount of 12 b vitamin that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, 12 b vitamin on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb 12 b vitamin the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the 12 b vitamin to be absorbed. 12 b vitamin is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount of 12 b vitamin. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the 12 b vitamin that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the 12 b vitamin which cuts down on the impact of a 12 b vitamin deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require 12 b vitamin supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain 12 b vitamin.
If the body does not have enough 12 b vitamin then anaemia is the most obvious symptom. Obviously, this is due to the fact that there is not enough 12 b vitamin to make healthy red blood cells. Anaemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb the 12 b vitamin that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to makes less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50 and this will lead to less 12 b vitamin being absorbed and supplements of 12 b vitamin may be required. Kids are also at risk from anaemia because they may not eat the food that contain 12 b vitamin. Pregnant women need more 12 b vitamin because the baby is absorbing 12 b vitamin during the pregnancy to grow properly.