Vitamin B12 Supplements Benefits

Vitamin B12 supplement is a water soluble vitamin and is present in some foodstuff and is used as a dietary supplement.  Some doctors prescribe the intake of the Vitamin B12 supplement because they are required for the formation of red blood cells and also provide some neurological functions. Slightly older individuals normally lack Vitamin B12 but are unaware of the deficiency.  This deficiency is also seen in those who have ulcers and gastro-intestinal disorders, epilepsy sufferers and those having chronic heartburn.  Vitamin B12 supplement benefits include treatment of symptoms of aging, depression, tinnitus, rosacea (skin disorder) and Alzheimer’s disease. It also reduces the risk to heart diseases and improves the immunity.

In most cases the required amount of Vitamin B12 is available through diet. However, the complicated process is the process of transportation of the vitamin from the protein in the food. The enzymes and stomach acid produced are enough for this absorption and transportation of those vitamins to the small intestines where they would get absorbed.

Vitamin B12 deficiency reduces the ability of the body to produce blood and increases blood cell destruction. The other characteristics of Vitamin B12 deficiency include loss of appetite and weight loss and damage to nervous system. Animal sources are the main sources of Vitamin B12. Sources of Vitamin B12 include milk and milk products like cottage cheese, tuna, liver, eggs and yogurt. Those who consume a strict vegetarian diet should consume Vitamin B12 supplements. The benefits of Vitamin B12 include protection from cancer. Vitamin B12 deficiency traps folate which is essential for the synthesis of DNA. Deficiency of folate may result into strands of DNA which are more prone to damage. The deficiency of folate and Vitamin B12 results into reduction in the capacity of methylation reactions. These conditions may result into more chances for cancer. Another study shows that Vitamin B12 may lead to increase in the chances of depression amongst patience.

 Normally, people do not take Vitamin B12 supplements. They are incorporated normally in the food we eat.  About 2 micrograms are sufficient for adults and about 2.5 micrograms are sufficient for ladies. As the amount of Vitamin B12 depends upon the capacity of the body to absorb Vitamin B12 from the diet, this capacity reduces with age and hence, elderly people need a slightly greater amount of Vitamin B12 than younger people. The overgrowth of bacteria that is found in the stomach of elderly people is destroyed by the stomach acid. Stomach acid normally competes for Vitamin B12 and hence the amount available diminishes with age.