I’ve been a vegetarian for most of my adult life. And that’s a long time! Until I attended naturopathic school in 1988 I rarely considered getting enough … vitamin B-12.
It’s a true multi-purpose vitamin that not only keeps your metabolism in check but also aids in the formation of red blood cells as well as maintaining the central nervous system. Vitamin B-12 is also required for the proper function of the brain and memory.
Also, it may preserve your eyesight as you grow older, fight heart disease, aid stroke recovery, and even rev up your defense against some forms of cancer.
Other benefits include enhancing mood, stimulate the immune system, promote healthy sleep and slow the aging process.
A vitamin B-12 deficiency is most common amongst adults over 50, vegetarians, vegans, and people who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery and people with digestive disorders such as celiac and Crohn’s Disease.
Signs of deficiency include anemia, loss of balance, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs and general weakness, as well as memory loss.
There is some evidence that B-12 cream may fight eczema, heart disease ( by lowering homocysteine, an amino acid that thought to increase heart disease risk) as well as cervical cancer.
The recommended dietary allowance ( RDA) for B-12 is only 2.4 mcg/day, for people ages 14 and older.
Foods containing vitamin B-12 include fortified cereal, rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, plain yogurt, white tuna, milk, eggs, and roasted chicken.
Obviously, vegetarians and especially vegans may be at risk for a deficiency of this crucial vitamin.
Fortunately there are many good B-12 supplements on the market. They may be available is capsule or spray form. I prefer the sublingual sprays as the stomach acids may destroy the vitamin in the stomach in the digestion process.
For questions or comments: heartwest@gmail.com
