What is the role of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the foods we eat.
What are the symptoms of Vit B12 deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
- a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
- a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
- mouth ulcers.
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- changes in the way that you walk and move around.
- disturbed vision.
- irritability.
- depression.
What is the main source of vitamin B12?
Sources of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].
Which vitamin B12 is best?
methylcobalamin
The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate. Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results.
What is normal B12 level?
Normal values are 160 to 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), or 118 to 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples.
What is the best kind of vitamin B12 to take?
cyanocobalamin
For prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, cyanocobalamin in chewable, sublingual, or liquid forms (rather than in a multivitamin) is best under most circumstances.
How much B12 do I need daily?
2.4 micrograms
While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.
Which food has the most B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12
- Animal liver and kidneys. Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-packed foods.
- Clams. Clams are small, chewy shellfish that are packed with nutrients.
- Sardines. Sardines are small, soft-boned saltwater fish.
- Beef.
- Fortified cereal.
- Tuna.
- Fortified nutritional yeast.
- Trout.