About Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for protein synthesis, cell reproduction, and normal growth. Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of red blood cells. These cells cannot multiply properly without optimal vitamin B12 levels and anemic state can occur as a result. Considering the role of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, a lack of red blood cells results in weakness, tiredness, and pale skin amongst other symptoms.
The demands in vitamin B12 are particularly high in nervous tissue. It has a key role in brain development and nerve cells functioning. It is needed for mental clarity and cognitive processes. Thus, nerve problems, such as numbness and tingling in hands and feet, as well as problems with balance, difficulty focusing, poor memory or impaired mood can be all symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12, in addition to vitamin B6 and folate, supports normal plasma concentrations of amino acid homocysteine, high levels of which are associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Some evidence point that vitamin B12 may play important role in the proper functioning of immune system as well.
As vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, that our body needs in small amounts to function properly, but does not have the ability to synthesize, it must be consumed regularly to prevent deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin B12 is exclusively found in animal-sourced foods, and those following a strictly vegan diet are at a particularly high risk for developing a deficiency, thus it’s important to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B12 from supplements.