Vitamin B12 – Why is this Vitamin so Important?
Vitamin B12 helps keep the red blood cells healthy and therefore plays a part in the prevention of heart disease as well as keeping the immune system functioning at its optimum level.
Vitamin B12 is also used within the body to create the protective covering of all nerve cells.
Whilst an important function of Vitamin B12 is to form healthy red blood cells, all cells need Vitamin B12 to keep them healthy. The white blood cells need Vitamin B12 to in order that the immune system can function properly. Mention has been made of the part Vitamin B12 plays in protecting nerves and this also includes the main organ of the nervous system – the brain.
As with most vitamins and minerals, the amount of Vitamin B12 required by the body is small – but it is essential. For this reason, the body requires a regular supply of animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat – which contain this essential vitamin.
Looking at the sources of Vitamin B12 you will realise that vegetarians and vegans are most at risk of suffering from a dietary deficiency of this vitamin and are therefore likely to require supplements.
Anaemia can be triggered by a Vitamin B12 deficiency as the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells will be impaired. Anaemia can also be caused by the body not creating enough Intrinsic Factor to help absorb the Vitamin B12 that is available in the food consumed. The body tends to makes less Intrinsic Factor after the age of 50 and this will lead to less Vitamin B 12 being absorbed suggesting that supplementation may be required.