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B12 is incredibly important; you need it to live. Just one of its many jobs is replicating DNA, and DNA is responsible for cell creation and renewal. You can see why not having enough B12 in your diet would have long-lasting, damaging effects on the body.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to be B12 deficient, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian. This is because B12 is found in animal products, like eggs, dairy, meat, etc. The only plant containing adequate amounts of B12 is some edible mushroom and algae species, such as nori. So, if you are a vegan or even vegetarian eating minimal animal products, it is very likely you are deficient.
Groups At Risk
There are certain groups who might be more at risk of B12 deficiency, including older adults over 50 (especially vegetarian adults) and anyone with gastrointestinal issues or lower stomach acid levels. People who take certain medicines also have B12 malabsorption issues. Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are low on daily B12 because there are other vitamins which mask the deficiency. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of deficiency, consult a doctor and consider supplements. Here are four reasons why you should make B12 a priority in your diet and vitamin regimen!
Four Reasons B12 is Important
- Blood Cell Formation: As mentioned above, B12 is essential for building red blood cells. Without the proper amounts of red blood cells, people develop anemia, a serious condition where red blood cells cannot carry the right amounts of oxygen to your organs, causing fatigue, weakness, and other serious symptoms.
- Reduces Risk of Birth Defects: It is proven that gestating fetuses need healthy levels of B12 in order to develop properly. Without B12, fetuses can be at risk of premature birth, birth defects, and being miscarried. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about prenatal care and supplements.
- Supports Bone Health and May Prevent Osteoporosis: Studies have linked osteoporosis in populations, especially populations of women, to low B12 levels. Taking a supplement early on in life and regularly can support healthy bone mass later on in life.
- B12 May Support Lower Levels of Depressive Symptoms: Adequate amounts of B12 have been linked to supporting an uplifted and more even mood. Studies have shown that people who are vitamin B12 deficient are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression. Talk to your doctor about supplementing any mental health care with B12 vitamins.
The Brand Matters
Scientific research proves that taking a supplement is one of the best ways to bridge the gap in your B12 levels and it is incredibly hard to take too much B12. However, the supplement brand matters!
In EZ Melts supplements, we source quality B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, because it is the form you find in most foods and vegetables (our supplement is vegan, don’t worry!).
Most supplement companies will use cyanocobalamin. It’s thought to be used because cyanocobalamin is cheaper and has a longer shelf life. Unfortunately, it also has to be converted by the body into methylcobalamin, and often, our bodies fail to do so with this type of supplement.
Methylcobalamin is recommended over the less effective cyanocobalamin by many studies for its superiority and bioavailability, so we ensure that our supplements deliver you the best possible nutrition possible. Why take a vitamin if it doesn’t work? Your health is too important.
Give our Zero-Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO B12 supplement a try and see the difference! Our supplements melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need!
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Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens