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