Did you know that up to 50% of the population could be deficient in Vitamin B12? Sad but true.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you may be deficient in Vitamin B12.

– Low energy or weakness

– Confusion

– Sleep issues

– Digestive issues

– Hearing or vision loss

– Memory problems

– Dizziness

– Tingling in extremities

– Low immunity

What Vitamin B 12 does for our bodies.

-It is the building block the body uses for DNA formation

-It keeps our immune system in check

-It regulates our mood and sleep cycle

– It helps to manage stress in the body

As we age our brain actually shrinks and cognitive function begins to decline. Vitamin B12 supplementation has been shown to slow this process and help with memory loss.

Studies show that 1 in 2 seniors show a decreased amount of Vitamin B 12, but studies are also showing that younger adults are also low in this Vitamin, especially those who follow a Vegetarian or Vegan diet.

We get Vitamin B 12 from red meat, but even those who are meat eaters can sometimes be deficient in B12. As we age our stomach lining loses its ability to produce hydrochloric acid, which is needed to absorb B12 from our food. Some people who have digestive issues or take acid blocking medications are at higher risk as they are unable to absorb this key vitamin.

Are you deficient?

It is important to have your B12 levels checked especially if you are vegetarian or suffer from intestinal disorders.

The safest and best absorbing Vitamin B12 is methylcobalamin and should be taken sublingually, which ensures it gets into your blood stream directly, by passing your intestinal tract.

If your levels are low, check with your pharmacist so you obtain a quality B12 supplement as many are made from cyanocobalamin which is made from cyanide and can be harmful to the body over time.

Shirley Plant is the Author of Finally… Food I Can Eat, a dietary guide and cookbook for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Through Delicious Alternatives she helps people come up with healthy, tasty menu plans that fit into their dietary needs.

shirleyplant.com

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