The B 12 vitamin is one of the b vitamins that are essential to maintain a healthy body. Otherwise known as Cobalamin, the B 12 vitamin is needed for the processes to convert the carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy. B 12 also, more importantly, helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore prevent heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its maximum level. In addition, B 12 is used to create the protective covering of all nerve cells in the body.
The most important function of B 12 is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need B 12 to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need B 12 to help ensure that the immune system functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need B 12 to form their protective fatty layer. This is essential for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If there is not sufficient B 12 to create this protective layer, then the brain will not be functioning properly.
Interestingly, the amount of B 12 that the body needs is relatively small but is needed on a regular basis. However, B 12 on its own is not enough as the body cannot absorb it easily. To help the body absorb B 12 the stomach produces intrinsic factor which enables more of the B 12 to be absorbed. B 12 is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat but most people consume far more than their recommended daily amount of B 12. This is not a problem as the body can only absorb about half of the B 12 that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the B 12 which cuts down on the impact of a B 12b deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require B 12 supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain B 12.
If the body does not have enough B 12 then anemia is the most obvious symptom. Obviously, this is due to the fact that there is not enough B 12 to make healthy red blood cells. Anemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough intrinsic factor to help absorb the B 12 that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to make less intrinsic factor once a person reaches 50 and this will lead to less B 12 being absorbed and supplements of B 12 may be required. Kids are also at risk from anemia because they may not eat the food that contain B 12. Pregnant women need more B 12 because the baby is absorbing B 12 during the pregnancy to grow properly.