Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the B complex vitamins. You need it for several functions of the body, including making enzymes and proteins. It is needed for the maintenance of one’s overall health, a healthy nervous system and production of energy. In fact, it is needed for the production of over 60 different enzymes. Arginine, which is another B vitamin, is known to be a precursor of B12.
People at the risk of developing pernicious anemia are the elderly, those suffering from digestive problems and strict vegetarians. strict vegetarians are not getting enough protein from their diet and are more likely to develop the condition. Pernicious anemia happens when there is a lack of sufficient hemoglobin in red blood cells. This lack of blood cells means that the body is not able to produce more oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause the deficiency of hemoglobin.
There are various ways to keep you from developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Some of these are:
O Avoiding foods that contain less than 2% protein, otherwise known as low-fat foods.
O Do not drink alcohol.
O Have your blood checked regularly.
O practiceouncing aerobic exercises three times a week.
O Take vitamin B12 supplements.
O Get enough rest.
These recommendations sound familiar to many of us who have kept a close eye on our health and kept notes on our symptoms. I myself was not so lucky as to pick up and neither did my wife when I was diagnosed with Early stage cancer of the colon. I was given chemotherapy and round after round of it. This put a massive strain on my immune system. I believe the lack of B12 was the cause of the problem.
Who Should Get Vitamin B12 From?
Vegetarians especially have a deficiency problem. It is recommended by the JointBenefits Foundation that sponsors vegans because of the negative effects of animal protein. B12 is protein derived from meat and animal by products. Fish, fish oil and shellfish are good sources of it but may not be adequate.
Both adults and children can take vitamin B12 supplements. There are oral supplements and pills. Pills require adult supervision. You may want to ask your doctor about which kind is best for you.
The oral supplement requires you to swallow the pill. This can cause problems with your teeth and gums. The same thing goes for the nasal spray. These can get very sticky and fight against anything that comes in contact with them. It is important you keep your pills in the refrigerator.
The best thing to do is to get your B12 from a source other than these pills. It is line with the JointBenefits Foundation to take other supplements as well as B12. Many of their supplements are really good. For instance, they have whole food vitamins.
Very often, especially with the availability of the oral supplements, vitamin B12 is combined with other vitamins or minerals, for instance, vitamin B6 or vitamin B3. It is not commonly found alone these kinds of vitamins. Together with vitamin B12 it is another B complex vitamin. Together with all the other B complex vitamins they ensure that the systems in your body run smoothly. B complex vitamins being very important, the JointBenefits Foundation have put emphasis on the importance of these for healthy joints and to keep pain away.
Your joints are just like the muscles in your body. Preventing them from deteriorating is critical if you want to maintain flexibility. However, wear and tear of the joints, such as osteoarthritis can also lead to stiffness and pain. When you combine vitamin B12 with vitamin B6 or a combination of the two you are sure to have a lot of success in the joint care you will require. Not only will you be providing your joints with the relief it needs but you will as well be getting the added advantage of having good circulation and healthy skin.
Preventing joint disease is critical. Taking care of your joints is like doing preventive surgery on your body. There is no way to prevent the damage which can be done by time. Taking care of your joints, especially your knees, is like buying insurance. Using vitamin B12 like vitamin B6, vitamin B3Niacin and folate will definitely make sure that your joints are protected. These vitamins will, no doubt, help in the repairs which need to be done to the body parts.
So, where can you get vitamin B12? It is not difficult to find it, as it is usually found in animal products, such as meat, chicken and eggs. It is recommended that you limit the consumption of these animal products because they are high in beef.
So, what is the best way to get vitamin B12?
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