3 health benefits of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is indispensable for health. Our body uses it to create red blood cells, it is involved in nerve function and the creation of DNA. Poultry, meat, fish, and dairy products are some of the best sources of vitamin B12 .
Although vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal
origin, its origin is bacterial. It is produced by bacteria, especially those
that live in the soil, which animals ingest while grazing. However, that has
changed over the years and today soils are poor in bacteria and vitamin B12.
The solution is to feed cattle with feed supplemented with this vitamin or by
direct injection. In the circumstance of vegetarians and vegans, the intake of
vitamin B12 will be easily done through a supplement, which will be mandatory
yes or yes. There are also cases when, when consuming food of animal origin, it
is necessary to supplement, for example, in people over 50 years of age, after having
undergone gastric or intestinal surgery or if they suffer from stomach
diseases, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease .
Here are three scientifically proven ways B12 is right for you.
1. Can prevent osteoporosis. A schoolwork published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that people with higher levels of vitamin B12 also had developed bone mineral density
2. Can improve knowledge. A study published in the American Academy of Neurology showed a link between B12 markers in the body and better-quality cognitive function and brain volume. Another study found a link between low levels of vitamin B12 and poor memory and learning ability .
3. It can reduce depression. Many studies have found correlations between vitamin B12 deficiency and depression. A study published in the Open Neurology Journal found that 100% of depressed people treated with vitamin B12 supplements had a decrease in depressive symptoms after three months .
Although supplementation with B12 is generally safe, it is recommended that you do not do it alone, but with the advice of a doctor.
If you've decided to start a vegan or vegetarian diet,
experts recommend early supplementation. Although this vitamin can be obtained
by consuming eggs and dairy products (case of ovolactéo-vegetarians), the
amount they contain is insufficient. Also, if you eat meat and / or fish on
time.