Do You KNow The Importance Of Vitamin B12? | Healthy Vegan Foods
August 13, 2010 by Jennie Princess Blaire
Filed under Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals
The most vital role of 12 b is to form healthy red blood cells. However, all cells need 12 b to keep them healthy. It is the white blood cells, amongst others, that need 12 b to aid, to ensure that the immune system is functioning properly. All of the nerve cells in the body also need 12 b to form their protective fatty layer. This is important for all of the nerves but is especially so for those in the brain. If the protective layer is not formed because of a lack of this vitamin, the brain will not be able to perform its function properly.
Interestingly, the quantity of 12 b that the body requires is relatively minute but is required on a regular basis. However, 12 b on its own is not sufficient as the body cannot absorb it simply. To aid the body to absorb 12 b the stomach generates intrinsic factor which allows more of the 12 b to be absorbed. 12 b is only found in animal foods such as liver, eggs, fish and meat but most people consume far more than their suggested daily amount of 12 b. This is not a drawback as the body can only absorb about half of the 12 b that is consumed. It is also worth noting that the body can recycle the 12 b which cuts down on the impact of a 12 b deficiency. However, strict vegetarians or vegans are likely to require 12 b supplements if they do not eat any animal products that contain 12 b.
If there is a vitamin b12 deficiency in the body, anaemia is most likely to occur. Evidently, this is due to the reality that there is not sufficient 12 b to make healthy red blood cells.
.
Read more:
Do You KNow The Importance Of Vitamin B12? | Healthy Vegan Foods