Vitamin B12 is essential for our health especially for our nervous system, immune system and DNA formation. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be different in everyone. Common complaints include fatigue, tingling, memory loss and muscle cramps. There are other different types of complaints.
Facts about vitamin B12
- Deficiency can lead to anemia
- You can recognize this by the symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, tinnitus and dizziness.
- Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods
- Vitamin B12 is found in our diet mainly in (red) meat, eggs, cheese and milk. You see that most vitamin B12 is found in animal products. You often see that people with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle are more likely to be deficient in it.
- Optimal digestion is important for vitamin B12 absorption.
- To absorb vitamin B12 from food, it is important that your digestion works properly. You need sufficient stomach acid which allows vitamin B12 to be linked to 'instrict factor' so that it can be absorbed into our bloodstream in the small intestine. If you have a shortage or too much stomach acid, absorption from food does not work optimally. You see in people with stress that there is often too little stomach acid produced which makes it harder to absorb B12.
- Medications may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency
- Consider antacids or metformin
- Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system
- Important for the production of red blood cells and they are important for carrying oxygen in your blood.
Disclaimer: Should you have longer (chronic) complaints as mentioned above. Always have this checked by a doctor first.
What is important when choosing a B12 supplement?
Choose a B12 supplement that is absorbed through the oral mucosa, this is a melting tablet. Because the supplement is absorbed directly through the oral mucosa, you ensure that your stomach/intestines are bypassed in the absorption process. This ensures that B12 enters your bloodstream.