EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 4 minutes There are eight B vitamins to keep track of, and all of them are crucial to your metabolism, energy levels, brain function, and well…most functions in the human body.  All eight of these nutrients are found in food, however, millions of people in the United States—and the world—are vitamin deficient, meaning that many people aren’t living at their peak wellness.  There’s a lot of information out there on just vitamin Bs alone, so we’ve made a simplified guide with a snapshot of what systems in your body each vitamin B supports.  Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) For: Kidneys Immune system Cognitive function Nerves Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is necessary for brain function and energy production. It’s also connected to healthy kidney function and immune system function. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from food or supplements; like the other B vitamins, it cannot be made by the body. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) For: Metabolism Healthy organs Immune system DNA/RNA production Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is an essential nutrient that helps with the production of DNA and RNA. It's also needed for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. Vitamin B2 helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B1 is also found in many foods made with yeast, including beer and baked goods. It's also important for the maintenance of healthy heart muscles and red blood cells.  Vitamin B3 (Niacin) For:  Cell turnover Energy levels Healthy digestion Healthy skin Nervous system You may know vitamin B3 as niacin. It's a water-soluble vitamin that's important for energy production and helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.  Niacin also plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy, as well as maintaining the health of your nervous system. Niacin is found in meat, fish, poultry, and certain vegetables.  Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) For: Hormone production Energy levels Metabolism Healthy organs Vitamin B5 is one of the lesser-known B vitamins. It plays an important role in energy production and metabolism, as well as helping your body maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. It's also known as pantothenic acid because it can be synthesized in the body from pantothenate (vitamin B5).  Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) For: Nervous system Metabolism Energy production Childhood development Vitamin B6 supports many bodily functions, including growth and development, energy production and protein metabolism, and the nervous system. Many people who don’t eat meat have a vitamin b 6 deficiency, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough if you're a vegetarian or vegan. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) For: Healthy hair, skin, nails,  Metabolism Energy levels Muscle support Cholesterol levels Vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in energy production. It's also essential for metabolism, which helps you process the food you eat and turn it into energy.  The main function of vitamin B7 is to help convert carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), which gives us the energy we need to stay awake and active throughout the day, but is connected to so many other processes as well, including—yes—hair, skin, and nails, which is is most known for.  Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid or Folate) For:  Lower likelihood of birth defects Heart health Cognitive function Nervous system Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is essential for cell growth and repair. It also supports the production of red blood cells, which help deliver oxygen to your tissues. Folic acid is linked to healthy brain function, nervous system health, and heart health. Folic acid is especially important during pregnancy because it is linked to supporting lower instances of birth defects. Vitamin B12 For: Nerve function Red blood cell count Metabolism Energy levels Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. It also helps make DNA, red blood cells, and fatty acids (fats). Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining healthy nervous system function as well as energy levels. It supports cardiovascular health by helping to maintain a healthy heart muscle as well. This is the B vitamin most people are lacking in their diet, especially vegans and vegetarians.  B-Complex B-Complex is a supplement that includes all eight essential B vitamins. While it’s rare to be lacking all eight of these Bs in your diet, many people today aren’t getting enough of all eight. Covering your bases with a quality B-Complex vitamin might be your best bet if you aren’t sure. Conclusion All these Bs might be making your head spin at this point—but Bs are essential to your health. Simplify the hassle of keeping them all straight by taking a B-Complex supplement. In addition to a well-rounded diet, a B-Complex supplement can help to bridge any nutrient gap you may have with your vitamin Bs.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We support the planet with the ingredients we use in our supplements. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 4 minutes Feeling run down and out of energy around this time of year? You're not alone. A lot of people feel this way, especially in the morning or during the afternoon slump, even if they get the recommended amount of sleep every night. There's less sunlight during daytime hours right now, which can leave you low on vitamin D which is essential for steady energy levels. Daylight savings time can also get your circadian rhythm all out of whack, leaving you feeling even more exhausted because your body is trying to figure out if it's supposed to be asleep or awake!  Many of us choose a quick-fix energy booster like coffee or tea to keep on going with our day. And sure, sipping on a Starbucks latte can feel great (in the moment), but there are plenty of ways to support optimal energy levels that don't include the unwanted side effects of caffeine. So, if you're nodding off in your office chair and often suffer from the dreaded caffeine crash, there's good news ahead—keep reading to discover five unexpected ways to rev your energy. 4 Ideas for an Afternoon Energy Boost Without Caffeine Get Moving Exercise is one of the best ways to increase energy levels, and we know it can seem like the last thing you want to do when you're feeling tired. However, even a moderate amount of exercise can help to improve your mood and increase your overall sense of well-being. And, of course, the more active you are, the more energy you'll have! So if you're dragging yourself through your day, try to fit in a quick workout. And you don't need to upend your entire schedule to fit in exercise — a brisk walk during your lunch break, do a few jumping jacks in your office or go for a run after work. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward. Food is Fuel What you eat impacts your energy levels and well-being. So if you're looking for a natural energy boost, reach for foods that are high in protein and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados. These foods will help to stabilize blood sugar levels and give you sustained energy throughout the day, so you don't need to grab a quick-fix stimulant like caffeine. You should also make sure to eat regularly throughout the day to avoid dips in blood sugar levels that can leave you tired and cranky. If you're changing your diet to include more of these nutritious foods, give your body some time to adjust and feel the difference. Doing Nothing is Something If you're feeling run down, it might be your body's way of yelling for some TLC. It's important to take breaks from being productive and give yourself time to rest. So instead of pushing through and trying to power through your day, listen to your body and take a break. It might seem unproductive to "do nothing” but try viewing rest as a part of your daily cycle—there's a time for everything, even relaxing. Rest recharges our batteries so when it's time to be productive, we are at 100%. Plus, enjoying some "me time" is just plain good for your mood and quality of life. Vitamin Regimen Taking vitamin supplements is one of the easiest ways to support healthy energy year-round—but which ones? These four are great foundations to try. B-Complex: These essential nutrients help the body convert food into energy and are found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. It can be hard for people to get all of the B vitamins in their daily diet, so if you need to get more, consider taking a supplement. B12: This vitamin supports red blood cell formation and energy production. It's found in animal products like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. If you don't eat these foods regularly, you may want to consider taking a B12 supplement or getting a B12 shot. CoQ10: This nutrient plays a role in energy production and is found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, as well as in nuts and seeds. According to some studies, CoQ10 supports healthy energy levels by decreasing oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Iron: This mineral is essential for carrying oxygen to the cells, which is important for energy production. It's found in red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. If you're not getting enough iron from your diet, you may need to take an iron supplement. The EZ Melts Difference Give one or more of these suggestions a try and see how they work for you. Remember, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. But by making small changes in your lifestyle, you may find that you have more energy than you ever thought possible!  Supplements are an easy, cost-effective lifestyle change to try first, and any of the vitamins mentioned above are great options for supporting your daily energy. Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, you’ll never have to worry about running out of the supplements you need! Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

When you think about your physical health, how often does taking care of your blood come to mind?  We never talk about it! Taking care of our bones, muscles, heart, digestion, and more, yes…but just our blood health, in and of itself? We don’t hear it mentioned often, yet it should be because red and white blood cells keep your entire body functioning. Think of your bloodstream like a city’s around-the-clock subway system and your veins as the rails.  Red blood cells transport nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to your entire body while getting rid of toxins like carbon dioxide through your lungs. Meanwhile, white blood cells, or leukocytes, are the soldiers of your immune system, attacking any disease or infection that crosses their path. Blood cannot be replaced, so let’s take care of it, shall we? Here are the best ways to keep that blood pumping at its best.   Stay Hydrated Drinking water keeps blood cells hydrated, which in turn, keeps your blood circulating faster and helps to regulate your blood pressure and heart rate. Set a reminder in your phone to get at least 64oz of fresh, filtered water per day—you might need even more depending on different health factors and lifestyles. Check out what the Heart Foundation recommends here.   Iron-Rich Diet Iron is a huge component of hemoglobin, which is the essential protein in red blood cells. Iron is incredibly essential to your body’s ability to keep all systems operating at their finest, so be sure to eat foods rich in iron. Even eating nutritious food might not be enough. About 25% of adults worldwide are iron deficient, so consider taking an iron supplement.    Folate and B-12 Folic acid and folate are technically the same vitamin: B9. Folate is naturally found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic version. Both are safe and approved by the FDA. Folate is found in whole foods such as leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, chickpeas and kidney beans, liver, and more. Whether you get B9 through food or supplements, it’s digested, converted into an active form that the body can use, and enters the bloodstream. B12, on the other hand, is essential for creating new cells, including blood cells. No B-12, and you’ll have a slew of symptoms on your hands. To make matters worse, B-12 is on the list of most popular vitamin deficiencies. B-12 is mainly found in animal products, which makes vegans and vegetarians especially vulnerable. A great way to bridge the gap is by taking a daily supplement. Vitamin B12 and B9 work together to help the body process iron and metabolize it, as well as create healthy blood cells. Taking a combination of the three in supplement form helps your blood help YOU, and it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting the right amounts.   The EZ Melts Difference It’s important to have a daily routine of feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Supplements are the easiest and quickest way of ensuring you get the correct amount. Many vitamin supplements are solid and have a ton of chemical additives, which can cause stomach upset, so quality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. Check out our Zero-Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, quick melting tablets in customer-approved flavors!

Read Time: 4 minutes 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.  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 3 minutes There are so many factors that go into our health and nutrition, including where and how we live our lives. The amount of vitamins and minerals we take in—and which ones— are affected by our environment. For example, our work hours and office culture, whether it rains or shines more, how frequently we get outside (or can get outside) into nature, and regional diets all affect what kind of vitamins and minerals we get.  Many people end up taking vitamin supplements to meet their nutritional needs when their food and lifestyle alone don’t cut it. In fact, the percentage of Americans who take supplements on a daily basis reached an all-time high in 2019, coming in at 77% of the total population!  Read on to learn about the most common deficiencies, and for the list of the 5 most sought-after supplements in the US today.   Most Common Deficiencies In 2020, according to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, people in the US have deficiencies in:  Vitamin A: around 25% of adults Vitamin D: 42% of adults in the US are deficient, likelihood can increase with age and according to race Vitamin C: 7% of US adults Others include: Iron: one of the most common worldwide, affecting at least 25% of adults Folate: around 20% of the adult population Protein: around 46% of the older population in the US Vitamin B12: up to 90% of vegetarians and vegans may be deficient in vitamin B12 Deficiencies can be in large part due to said environmental factors, health conditions (like anemia), medication, pregnancy, age, gender, social factors and education surrounding nutrition, taking the wrong types of supplements, or even taking supplements that are ineffective and not shelved properly.  The first thing you can do is make sure you consult your medical provider to ensure you are bridging the gaps if you have any and take the right, quality supplements that fit your lifestyle. Most Popular Vitamins in 2020 According to a recent study, the top 5 most popular supplements taken across the board in the United States are multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, and B-complex, in that order.  Multivitamin: A multivitamin is often used as a catch-all for people who are concerned about their health and want to support a healthy lifestyle. There are different kinds according to gender, age, and so on, and they come in many different types of tablets, but make sure you are taking one that isn’t full of additives or chemicals. Regardless, most multivitamins contain an array of vitamins and minerals essential to your health. If you and your doctor have a specific deficiency in mind, it might be worth considering supplements only containing certain vitamins and minerals.  Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption by helping with cell transportation of nutrients. In general vitamin D supports major organs, proper immune function, and the musculoskeletal system. It also helps support your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Calcium: Calcium is widely known as being associated with bone growth and strength, as well as cardiovascular health. It also aids with blood clotting. This mineral is essential to your health and can only be found externally in our food sources. Vitamin C: Known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is vital in forming bone, muscle, tissue, and skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that boosts your immune system response and fights free radicals (vitamin C is responsible for boosting your body’s natural collagen production, which = healthier, younger looking skin). Vitamin B-complex: B-complex supplements should cover at least eight essential B vitamins, and are safe to take even if you do get some of your vitamin Bs through nutrition. B vitamins support your brain, immune system, metabolism, energy levels, and much more. Vitamin B-complex also supports heart health, which is good news especially for men, who are at higher risk of heart disease and other heart conditions.  The EZ Melts Promise Try our EZ Melts supplements for their customer-approved, all natural flavor, and their non-GMO and vegan promise. They melt quickly on the tongue, making it EZ to get the nutrition you need! Best part? We don’t add any harmful chemicals or excess sugar. Just check out our ingredients listed on the bottle and feel better knowing you are supporting your best health the right way. Thanks for being a part of our community!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 3 minutes There are eight essential B vitamins and they can be hard to keep straight. Together, they are called B-complex, and both the combination or individual B vitamins can be taken via supplements—and should be. About 92% of today’s Americans are vitamin deficient, which is bad news because B vitamins are vital to so many different parts of our functioning body, especially the brain and all it does for us--memory, emotions, energy levels, stress, and mental health including depressive episodes. More specifically, when it comes to vitamin Bs, people are deficient especially in vitamins B1, B6, and B12. This is due in part to human evolution, because over time, we have lost a lot of our abilities to synthesize vitamins in the body itself. Therefore, B vitamins are only stored in the body via oral consumption--whether that’s food or vitamin supplements. Bs are also water soluble and pass through our bodies quickly, which means we need constant intake of the right dosages. But with so many B vitamins, how do we know which ones to take? When to Take B12 Supplements Vitamin B12 is the most common deficiency out of all the B vitamins, especially for vegetarians and vegans. This is because in our diets, B12 is not found in plant-based food sources. Vitamin B12 is crucial to nerve and blood cell health, and helps with DNA production. A deficiency includes symptoms like loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, severe anemia as well as poor memory and dementia. Even if you are a meat eater, you can still be deficient, but vegetarians and vegans should especially be mindful of symptoms. If you are on a plant-based diet and believe you are prone to missing out on B12, consult a medical professional and consider adding B12 supplements to your daily regimen. When to Take B-Complex Supplements B-complex supplements cover all eight essential B vitamins, and are safe to take even if you do get some of your vitamin Bs through nutrition. B vitamins support your brain, immune system, metabolism, DNA production, and much more, so it is crucial to ensure you are supplementing your diet if you feel you are not getting enough through food. While it is rare to be deficient in all eight B vitamins, and most foods contain ample amounts of B1, 2, 3, and 5, many Americans today are not consuming a well-rounded diet that includes the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you worry you are experiencing symptoms of B deficiency (list found here) and not sure which one could be the issue, consider talking to a medical professional and covering your bases with a B-complex vitamin. EZ Melts Difference Always make sure your nutrition supports your best health, but to ensure you are getting the right amounts, we suggest a supplement like EZ Melts to add to your daily routine. It’s important to have a daily routine of feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Supplements are the easiest and quickest way of ensuring you get the correct amount. Many vitamin supplements are solid and have a ton of chemical additives, which can cause stomach upset, so quality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. Thanks for being a part of our community! Check out our Zero-Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO quick melting B-complex tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Read time: 4 minutes 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!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

In our previous article, we discussed B-Complex and all eight essential Bs. But one of these is so critical to our blood, our nervous system, our energy, and DNA that it needs another mention--because sometimes the deficiency of it hides from us! That vitamin is B12. B12 is incredibly important--you need it to live. One of its jobs is replicating DNA. No DNA production = No cell production! You can see why that would have long-lasting, damaging effects on the body. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lack the proper intake of this B vitamin, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian. This is because B12 is found in animal products, like eggs, dairy, meat, etc. The only consumable plant B12 is found in is some edible mushroom and algae species, such as nori [1]. So, if you are a vegan or even vegetarian eating minimal animal products, it is very likely you are deficient.   Groups At Risk What’s more, is that 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 [1],[2]. People who take certain medicines also have B12 malabsorption issues [3]. Think you might be low on B12? Sometimes it is hard to tell because there are other vitamins which mask the deficiency. Read on to see what hints your body might be giving you, and what to do about it!   Symptoms of Deficiency Most of your nutrients should be ingested via your food sources. However, as mentioned above, B12 is hard to come by in plant-based foods. On top of this, you might have a B12 deficiency that is masked by folic acid, another B vitamin. Folic acid is a B vitamin readily available in many plant-based foods, so it is something easier to get through our diets. However, if you are experiencing symptoms and conditions, they might develop in the form of: problems with tiredness, weakness, constipation, and anemia.  Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, issues with balance, depression, unnatural fatigue, confusion, poor memory and dementia, and soreness of the mouth or tongue are all indicators. It can even lead to permanent damage to your nervous system! Luckily, supplements work to counter the balance--but not all B12 vitamins are created equally. Always consult with a medical professional before self-diagnosing and starting a new vitamin regimen, and read below what to look for in your supplement.   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 [4], so most doctors will most likely recommend it*. However--the form of B12 matters greatly! 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 [5], 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! Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042564/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10448529/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11146329/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312744/   ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens