Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is a B-complex vitamin. It is mainly responsible for producing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) both of which contain important genetic information that is needed for the formation of new cells. However, there is plenty more to B12 than this. In this article I am going to be discussing this vitamin in greater detail by providing you with four fun vitamin B12 facts.
1) IT HELPS YOUR BODY PRODUCE HORMONES:- Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the production of melatonin, myonin and serotonin. All three perform important functions in the body. Melatonin helps you fall asleep and promotes healthy sleep cycles Myonin provides protection for the nerves. Serotonin can improve your mood. Therefore, consumption of cobalamin is essential for the overall good health which these hormones provide.
2) ANIMAL PRODUCTS ARE THE RICHEST SOURCE:- Animal products are the best source of vitamin B12. Fish, liver and dairy products (including cheese, eggs and milk) are all good choices with each containing particularly high levels of this vitamin. However, since cobalamin is mainly found in animal products vegans may struggle to get enough and may need to take B12 supplements.
3) STOMACH PROBLEMS CAN LEAD TO A DEFICIENCY:- Dietary deficiencies of this vitamin are quite rare. However, your body requires a substance called intrinsic factor to be present in the intestine so that it can be properly absorbed. If you have stomach problems then your body may not be able to produce enough intrinsic factor and this can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, if you have any stomach problems that you are aware of you should go consult your doctor and see if cobalamin deficiency is likely to be a problem for you.
4) A DEFICIENCY HAS CAN LEAD TO PERNICIOUS ANEMIA:- If you do become deficient in cobalamin it can cause pernicious anemia. This type of anemia causes you to have fewer, larger red blood cells. It ultimately makes walking and balancing difficult, causes you to become weak and causes permanent nerve damage. Therefore, to avoid pernicious anemia make sure that you consume enough vitamin B12 daily. If you are susceptible to stomach problems which cause you to become B12 deficient then you may need to take supplements too.
As you can see vitamin B12 is essential for good health. I hope this article has given you a better understanding of this vitamin and its role in the body.
Author Resource:-
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about vitamin B12 and the other twelve vitamins by visiting his websites.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 