Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 enhances the formation of red blood cells and eventually protects the Body against ‘Anemia”. It maintains the Myelin sheath i.e. the covering and the fatty substance covering the nerves and enables them for proper functioning. The Human Body needs these vitamins for proper energy metabolism phenomenon, creation of genetic materials called DNA/RNA and cell replication, which are primary reasons for balanced health. It is the only vitamin that is stored in the Body in substantial amount. Elderly people are more vulnerable to the vitamin deficiency which can result in drastic circumstances.

Some experts recommend at least 50 mg of B vitamins on a daily basis, and 500 micro grams of B12. Although many doctors disagree to this fact and believe that the B12 injections are archaic and unscientific. Rather they believe that B12 can be gained from natural resources from animals like fish, meat, Eggs, Poultry, milk and milk products. Some breakfast cereals which are ‘Fortified’ add the much needed Vitamins to the body and are considered as a valuable source.

The patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorder or pernicious anemia are strongly recommended to intake Vitamin B12 supplement. Vegetarians and Adults should consume more of fortified cereals to increase the count of B12 in their body. In case of older adults, the hydrochloric acid in the body disintegrates the protein in food consumed and releases B12. Although this should happen before the vitamin gets bonded with the intrinsic factor, and gets absorbed in the intestines. Excessive intake of alcohol continued over a period of two weeks can result in decrease in absorption of Vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract. Some important drugs or injections recommended for B12 supplement are Proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonize and Metformin. The pump inhibitors interfere by slowing down the release of hydrochloric acid into the stomach and eventually reducing the absorption of B12 from food consumed. The H2 receptors also do the same, i.e. reduces the secretion of hydrochloric acid. Whereas the” Merformin” interferes with the calcium metabolism process and reduces the B12 absorption in an indirect manner due to which they are considered most reliable and successful drug.

Researchers believe that vitamin B12 should rather be taken from natural sources rather than taking them by artificial drugs. They are pretty abundant in meat products, and milk products, and an appropriate consumption on a daily basis can easily fill up the gap. We need to stretch our diet and likings so that we give room of welcome to all nutrition available.