B12 — vegansk

Studies* have shown that approximately 20% of the population over 65 years of age, are deficit in vitamin B12. The main reason for vitamin B12 deficiency is impaired digestion, and it may actually take up to 6 years before the first signs of B12 deficiency appear. To avoid vitamin B12 deficit, it can be a good idea to take a vitamin B12 supplement, especially of you are over the age of 50.

An important indicator of B12 deficiency is increased blood homocysteine concentration. Vitamin B12 and folic acid can remove excess homocysteine from bloodstream.

In a balanced diet, we usually get B12 from meat, dairy products, fish and eggs. Vegans and vegetarians therefore often risk deficits of vitamin B12. Supplementation of vitamin B12 can be necessary to ensure the body is sufficiently supplied with vitamin B12, if your diet lacks the natural sources of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 also contributes to:

• The formation of red blood cells
• A normal energy metabolism
• Metabolism of homocysteine
• Normal mental function
• Normal cell division process
• Normal functioning nervous system and immune system
• Decreases fatigue and exhaustion

The effects of vitamin B12 are enhanced in conjunction with other B-vitamins, expecially folic acid and vitamin B6. We therefore recommend to take vitamin B12 together with other B-vitamins (also known as a "B-complex")

*Andrés, E. 2004, Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in elderly patients, CMAJ, August 03, 2004, 171 (3) 251-259