What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a bacteria-based nutrient which aids the healthy functioning of our bodies. Sadly, we are not capable of producing it ourselves naturally. In fact, the only way that our body receives this important nutrient is either through the food we consume or via a supplement.
Why is Vitamin B12 so important to us?
The importance of maintaining a healthy level of Vitamin B12 in the body should not be underestimated. There are a number of significant physiological contributions that this Vitamin provides:
- Promotes the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin, responsible for transporting oxygen to our organs.
- Provides protection and regeneration to our nervous system, through the production of insulation which guards our nerves.
- Helps to maintain a healthy state of mind and balance our mood by contributing to the development of neurotransmitters and hormones linked to the brain.
- A boost to the formation and regulation of DNA, essential for the production of new cells.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
So, what happens if your body lacks the levels of Vitamin B12 it requires? A B12 deficiency can be responsible for some notable short-term symptoms as well as longer-term, irreversible damage.
- Weakness, tiredness and general fatigue
- Numbness or pins and needles in nerve endings
- Dizziness
- Mood swings, confusion and forgetfulness
- Pale or jaundiced skin colouring
- Stomach upsets including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation
These initial symptoms, if not addressed with significant dietary changes or Vitamin B12 supplements can lead to the onset of anaemia, neurological degeneration and heart disease.
What is a good source of Vit B12?
Vitamin B12 is typically found in animal-based products which include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products. This is why those that follow a plant-based diet often show signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency. It is highly unlikely that a dietary change alone will reverse the symptoms of a deficiency. If you are lacking in this nutrient, your GP is likely to suggest a Vitamin B12 supplement.
Why Take a Vitamin B12 Supplement?
A radical dietary change can be hard, sometimes impossible to implement. A high-level increase in the consumption of certain foods is often unachievable in a typical day and impossible for followers of certain (e.g plant-based) diets. This is where a dietary supplement can offer a simple, effective alternative with fast results.
There are further benefits, in the case of a liquid vitamin supplement. Liquid supplements are easy to administer and digest, absorbing into the bloodstream at a faster rate than a hard tablet form.
This is why we are firm believers in the intraMAX 2.0 organic liquid vitamin supplement. intraMAX 2.0 is jam-packed with Vitamin B12 as well as a huge range of other vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, bioflavonoids, amino acids and much more.