Vitamin
B12 (COBALAMIN)
Recommended Dietary
Intakes
Adults - 2 mcg;
Pregnant women - add 0.1 mcg
This Vitamin Is
Essential For...
converting fats,
carbohydrates, and protein into energy,
assisting in the
synthesis of red blood cells.
producing the genetic
materials.
amino acid and fatty acid
metabolism
healthy nerves, blood
cells, skin and hair
growth.
proper digestion.
Sources...
Vitamin B12 is supplied
through animal products - organ meats, fish, eggs, brewers yeast, clams, sea vegetables
such as kelp kombu, soybeans, soy products and dairy products.
Comments...
Vegetarians need
supplements of this vitamin as it is mostly found in animal products. Vitamin B12 is
stored in the body for up to five years, so it may take a while before signs of deficiency
show.
Please note, B Vitamins should be taken as a complex unless advised by
your health care practitioner.
Deficiencies Can
Cause...
Dietary deficiency is
uncommon and usually is apparent in alcoholics, elderly people, strict vegetarians, people
who are not absorbing the vitamin, and pregnant or nursing women. Symptoms may include:
a sore tongue and mouth
ulcers.
weakness, fatigue, memory
loss and dizziness.
weight loss.
body odour.
back pains.
tingling arms and legs.
Severe deficiency leads
to pernicious anaemia.
digestive disorders
constipation.
eye disorders
headaches.
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