Facts Concerning Vitamin B12 and The Recent Discovery By Scientists

Vitamin B12 is a mineral found naturally from eating meat from animals, or animal by-products such as milk and eggs. Certain foods may contain this vitamin too. Vitamin B12 is needed for the bodies’ proper functioning. It is needed in the formation of the red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells are necessary for the proper circulation of oxygen in the body, and the removal of carbon dioxide, which is toxic to the body. Vitamin B12 also plays the role of controlling the operation of the neurological system and nerve communication. It also plays a key role in the formation and replication of DNA. The hormones, fats, and protein in the body need this vitamin to exist.

Since the vitamin is gotten naturally from animal protein, people who don’t eat meat, vegetarians, or those that don’t use dairy products may have a deficiency in this vitamin. They will exhibit symptoms such as anemia, an inflamed tongue, body fatigue, and balancing and walking issues. Lack of early detection and treatment would lead to diseases such as severe brain damage, cardiovascular disease, and stomach cancer, the most feared disease of all. When being diagnosed, the doctor will take tests to identify the possible diseases that share these symptoms and eliminate them. A blood test is done to check the levels of vitamin B12 in the system. One should consume about 2.4mg of Vitamin B12 daily. Through weight-loss surgery, the body may be deprived of its ability to absorb Vitamin B12, hence making people who have undergone the operation deficient. Other groups that may lack the vitamin in their bodies include patients of celiac disease and aging individuals who do not have enough acid in their stomachs.

Recently, scientists have done their research and have discovered that vegans and vegetarians can get Vitamin B12 from plants. They have discovered that a certain herb, garden cress, can be grown to contain the vitamin depending on where the herb is planted. The herb can pull out the vitamin from the soil, where safe bacteria has been introduced. Therefore, this means that vegetables such as kale and lettuce can absorb the vitamin too. Therefore, instead of taking supplements, these foods would provide a natural way to absorb Vitamin B12 into the body.

If people followed the instructions on fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, supplements would work in reducing this deficiency. This research has brought so much joy especially because most people have started adopting a meat-free lifestyle. Your health is therefore guaranteed if you are at risk of lacking Vitamin B12 in your body.

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