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A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps to form red blood cells, and helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
This essential nutrient is required by our bodies to make nuclearic acids that make up genes; to produce energy from sugars and fats; to form red blood cells; and for normal growth of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found only in foods derived from animals.
Everyone needs Vitamin B12, but seniors and vegetarians are especially vulnerable to deficiency.
Who Needs Vitamin B12?
As shown above, everyone needs B12 because it is an essential nutrient. However, two groups of people need more B12 than most: vegetarians, because they do not receive B12 from their diet, and seniors, because their bodies do not manufacture enough stomach acid (intrinsic factor) to break down food proteins, to which Vitamin B12 is attached.
Minor B12 Deficiency
A minor deficiency can be indicated by impaired brain function, fatigue, numbness or pins and needles sensation in the toes, pale complexion, or male infertility. In one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 38% of participants with a slight B12 deficiency had impaired brain function, whereas 10% of participants with normal B12 levels had impaired brain function. A treatment of B12 supplements restored normal brain function.
Major B12 Deficiency
A major deficiency can cause severe nerve damage. An “early warning system” of nerve damage is the development of anemia or pernicious anemia. A high dose of a folic acid supplement will prevent anemia, but also masks this early warning system, therefore allowing permanent damage to the nervous system. Individual B12 levels should be checked by a physician prior to taking large doses of folic acid.
Manufactured by: Westcoast Naturals
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