Vitamin B12 is one of the B complex vitamins. It contains cobalt and is created by bacteria in meat, eggs, and dairy products only. While research suggests that plant sources might offer another source of vitamin B12, humans have been unable to obtain the vitamin B12 from these plant sources.
Vitamin B12 is important in the formation of red blood cells. You see, vitamin B12 is important to aid in the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. It prevents the formation of megaloblasts, which are abnormal cells created when DNA production is interrupted. This can cause anemia and can make an individual tired, breathless, and more susceptible to infection.
Vitamin B12 is also important for keeping a healthy nervous system. You see, vitamin B12 aids the complex protein called myelin by playing a role in the metabolism of fatty acids. In fact, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur if your body fails to absorb the vitamin or in individuals, such as vegans, who do not get enough of the vitamin from dietary sources. However, since the vitamin is excreted in the bile where it is reabsorbed, it can take over 20 years of vitamin B12 deficiency to develop in people who do not get enough of the vitamin in their diet. This is because they are essentially getting enough B12 from reabsorbing the vitamin. In people who are having trouble absorbing the vitamin B12, deficiency can occur in only 3 years.
Although vegan foods do not naturally contain B12, there are vegan foods that are fortified with B12. This means that B12 has been added to the product, for the sole purpose of good nutrition. Vegans are encouraged to eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency.
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