Health and Suppliments

Vitamin B12 is important for balanced and normal functioning of many body organs and functions. It is helpful in the formation of red blood cells and ensuring a healthy nervous system. It is important to note that deficiency of B12 for a long period can result in irreversible neurological damage and nerve degeneration.

This water-soluble vitamin is considered beneficial when it comes to promoting fatty acid synthesis, DNA synthesis and regulation, and energy production. It is important to note that this vitamin cannot be made by plants or animals as only bacteria have the necessary enzymes that are required for its synthesis.

Some of the deficiency symptoms include breathlessness, listlessness, pallor, and excessive tiredness.

Sources of Vitamin B12:

The only reliable and unfortified Vitamin B12 sources are eggs, dairy products, and meat. It is considered that seaweeds, fermented soya products, and algae are possible sources of B12. Some of the other sources of vitamin B12 are poultry and shellfish.

According to the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine, the recommended dietary intake for vitamin B 12 is:

For infants, between the ages of 06- months, the intake is 0.4 micrograms per day (mcg/day) and the intake is 0.5 mcg/day for infants between the age of 7 – 12 months. For children between the ages of 1-3 years, the recommended intake of B12 is 0.9 mcg/day, the intake is 1.2 mcg/day for children in the age group of 4-8 years, and the recommended dosage is 1.8 mcg/day for children in the age group of 9-13 years. For males and females of 14 years or older, the recommended intake of Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg/day.

We hope that this blog on Vitamin B12 has helped you gain invaluable insights about this popular vitamin.