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Vitamin Bs deserve to be paid overtime for all the work they do for our bodies. As we’ve covered in previous articles, there are eight B vitamins, but there is one B vitamin in particular that has been getting a lot of attention: B-12. 

Taking a B-12 supplement is beneficial only if it is formulated with the right compounds. Unfortunately, many companies opt for the cheaper route and use ineffective, if not harmful, ingredients in their supplements—yes, even some of the well-known brands you see on the shelves. It’s really what’s inside that counts. Read on so you can get the most out of your B12 supplements.

What Does B12 Do for My Body?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is the eighth B vitamin. All B vitamins aid in the conversion of food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) that generates energy.

It also supports optimal skin, hair, eye, and liver health. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin in maintaining healthy nerves and assists in creating DNA and RNA—the very biological material we are made of.

But because our bodies are unable to produce Vitamin B12 on their own, we have to get it through nutrient-rich food and supplements.

Even if you eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, there are some groups of people that might be more prone to B12 deficiency than others.

For example, B12 is mainly found in animal products, so it can be especially hard for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet to get the nutrients they need. Also, people who take certain medicines also have B12 malabsorption issues.

Best Food Sources of Vitamin B12

As we mentioned above, most foods that contain B12 are animal products and meat, so a supplement is the best way to bridge the nutritional gap if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Here are some of the best foods to find rich sources of B12:

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Yogurt
• Eggs (especially the yolks)
• Fortified cereals
• Milk
• Liver
• Beef

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are not getting enough because there are other vitamins that mask a B12 deficiency. Here are some of the symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Anemia
• Poor memory recall and dementia
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tingling feeling in hands and feet

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to B12, but you have to find the right form of it in the supplements you buy.

Yep, what most people don’t know is that there are multiple forms of B12, and not all of them can be absorbed and used by the human body—so many people are just throwing money away.

Do your research ahead of time so you know what to look for; this article is a great place to start.

Here is a breakdown of two forms of B12 that are used when making supplements, and why one of them is a waste of time and money.

Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin

They’re a mouthful, but trust us, you want to know which one you should be taking.

Cyanocobalamin is synthetic B12, manufactured to have a longer shelf-life and to be cost-effective. Most supplement companies, even household name brands, will use cyanocobalamin to save money on production.

But what these brands don’t tell you is cyanocobalamin is ineffective as a supplement. Unfortunately, it’s converted by the body into methylcobalamin, and our bodies can’t convert cyanocobalamin easily, if at all. Because of this, methylated b 12 is the superior and effective choice.

Methylcobalamin is the form of B12 that is found in nature. It is the purest form of B12. Methylcobalamin is recommended over cyanocobalamin by many studies for its superiority and bioavailability, so be sure to look for it in the ingredients on the label.

While you may be spending a little more, a quality methylcobalamin supplement is better than one that doesn’t have any benefits for your body.

We ensure that our vegan, methylated B12 supplement is created with methylcobalamin, not cyanocobalamin, because your health is too important.

In addition to being vegan, our supplements are non-GMO, sugar-free, and gluten-free.  Our supplements melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need! Get your EZ Melts B12 supplement today.

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