What IS and Why Vitamin B12 is The Most Important Nutrient?

What IS and Why Vitamin B12 is The Most Important Nutrient?

(Some facts are taken from published on internet Yale University Prevention Research Center)

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can limit your ability to think clearly about anything!

Like all vitamins, B12 is an organic compound, and essential for our normal metabolic function and health. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, (beef liver, turkey, clams), so vegans are vulnerable to deficiency.       

But the most important cause of deficiency has to do with the unique way B12 is absorbed. To get into the bloodstream, B12 must be escorted by a protein (intrinsic factor), produced by cells of the stomach. Disorders of the stomach, such as gastritis, particularly common after age 50, can interfere with the production of protein. Medications that affect the stomach, such as aspirin, can also interfere with protein production and result in B12 deficiency.

Some fast food places and processed foods companies have claimed to have foods with a good source of vitamins B12. That is because Vitamin B12 is used in certain food colors and preservatives. However, the only good source of B12 is ORGANIC animal products, like liver or some seafood.

Tolerable Intake Level (UL) for Vitamin B12…could not be determined

Foods Highest in Vitamin B12

1.        Clams, Oysters, and Mussels

2.       Liver

3.       Caviar

4.       Octopus, Fish

5.       Crab and Lobster

6.       Beef, lamb, eggs

B12 and Energy??

If, like many, you’ve tried everything to boost your energy, but still feel drained, you may want to start looking for answers elsewhere. Low levels of vitamin B12, a vitamin that lies at the core of our body’s ability to make DNA for new cells, form healthy red blood cells, and turn the food we eat into energy to power our metabolism, is often overlooked. 

In the short term, insufficient B12 levels can lead to deep fatigue, mood changes, and dementia-like qualities, preventing you from feeling your best and performing at your highest energy level. In the long term, an unchecked vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage, which is why it’s important to catch it early.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

1.       Overall lack of energy

2.       Unusual mood changes

3.       Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

4.       Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

5.       Inflamed, red, cracked tongue

 Interesting Facts

Slightly lower than normal levels of B12 can lead to :
fatigue, depression and poor memory.
In addition, it can cause symptoms of mania and psychosis.

B12 is an essential water soluble vitamin for humans and animals alike. Only produced by bacteria, both animals and humans must get this vitamin from food or supplements as it cannot be naturally produced by the body.

B12-Boosting Parfait

Ingredients

1 cup plain lowfat yogurt

1-2 tsp honey

1 cup B12-fortified breakfast cereal

1/2 cup sliced berries (organic!)

B12-Boosting Clam Pasta

Ingredients

1 lb clams (or bison meat: It has less saturated fat and is richer in omega-3 fats than grass-fed beef)

1 lb whole wheat pasta

1 (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes

2 cloves crushed garlic, 1/2 of an onion, red pepper flakes

2 tbsp Extra Virgin olive oil

 

Directions

Sauté the onions with pepper flakes in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, add the (defrosted) chopped clams and garlic, cook for a minute, stir in the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes toss with the cooked pasta.