No text or picture Add-ons were added yet. How sad!
Female 1: Everyone has heard of Vitamin B12 but do you know what it does and do you know if you are getting enough of it?
Female 2: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to maintain the healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make the DNA material that exists in every cell. In some cases, a deficiency of Vitamin B12 has been shown to cause fatigue and low energy that is why some people benefit from taking B12 shots.
A Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a cause of anemia. Anemia occurs when there is an insufficient amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which prevents enough oxygen from reaching tissues and cells of the body. Common symptoms of anemia include pallor, restlessness or weakness. Now that we know what Vitamin B12 does let us look at how it works.
During digestion, hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases Vitamin B12 gathered from proteins that the body has consumed. Once released the vitamin binds with the substance called Intrinsic Factor or IF. The complex is then absorbed into the blood stream to help maintain healthy cells. The average adult needs 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 daily. Pregnant and lactating women needs slightly more up to 2.8 micrograms per day.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products. So, getting the recommended amount is fairly easy for most adults. Both elderly people and people with gastro-intestinal disorders may have trouble absorbing Vitamin B12. These people along with vegetarians may benefit by taking a B12 supplement. Occasionally, excess alcohol intake, the diabetes drug Metformin or proton pump inhibitors like Prevacid can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12. Talk to your doctor about all medications and substances that should not be combined with this vitamin. Please talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Because the vitamin is water-soluble and released to be urine, toxic overload is rare. However, you should always talk to your doctor before beginning a new supplement or diet program.
Female 1: You want to learn more, check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services