What is Vitamin B12? And why we're jumping with excitement over it!
They're finally here! Our Good Vita-B12 Energy Boost supplements!
Before we get carried away getting excited over how delicious these vitamins are - pomegranate - YUM, let's discuss what Vitamin B12 actually is, and what your body gets out of it.
What exactly is Vitamin B12? What does it do for the body?
Vitamin B12 is a naturally occurring vitamin, sometimes also called 'Cobalaim' and is water-soluble and found in food - particularly meat-based foods. Vitamin B12 is required to create new healthy red blood cells and overall healthy nervous system support.
The benefits of Vitamin B12 include energy production, supporting your levels throughout the day to keep you on your feet and living your life, active or otherwise, to the fullest. Vitamin B12 supports healthy red blood cells, which is absolutely vital to our health. Without healthy red blood cells, our bodies can begin to shut down since red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around our bodies and keeping our nervous system functioning. Vitamin B12 levels should be taken seriously to ensure you don't fall into the category of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
How would I know if I had Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Like any vitamin deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency brings with it all kinds of undesirable symptoms.
The signs of b12 deficiency include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Paleness
- Even hearing difficulties
According to a study made in New Zealand and reported on by Southern Cross, the Adult Nutrition Survey, a whopping 8% of the New Zealand population could be suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency. The same survey also suggested that low Vitamin B12 levels were more prevalent among female than male participants. If left untreated, the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency only get worse over time. While it is unstated why females were more susceptible to the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency, it could be speculated that monthly blood loss could contribute.
More obscure and advanced symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Depression and confusion
- Weight loss
- Hallucinations and dementia
- Irritability
Where can I find natural sources of Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal foods such as meat products and dairy, therefore getting enough Vitamin B12 through dietary supplements may be more important for those enjoying a vegetarian or vegan diet. The risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency would be higher amongst those not consuming animal products, as that is where the bulk of b12 is found naturally. To ensure you are getting enough Vitamin B12, consider a delicious supplement alternative, like the one we have just released!
GOOD VITA-B12 supplements may also provide support for the elderly and those with coeliac disease. While the vitamin does exist in the natural world, making sure you get enough Vitamin B12 can be a boring game of weighing up what you eat every day to keep a close eye on it - alongside all of the other essential vitamins and nutrients you need.
Here's where you can obtain some Vit B12 from food:
- Eggs
- Beef
- Liver
- Chicken
- Fortified breakfast cereal
- Low-fat milk or yoghurt
- Cheese
- Clams
Vegan or vegetarian? Now you can get a healthy dose of Vitamin B12, too, with our scrummy and NEW Vitamin B12 supplements!
If all the idea of all that animal product consumption makes you feel a bit queasy, we get it, and we're here to help. You don't have to miss out on Vitamin B12 just because you avoid meat and dairy products. We are so excited to add this vitamin to our range, as it is one of the most important vitamins often lost by our friends and customers following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The Good Vitamin Co offers healthy supplements made with natural pectin, not gelatin, to support healthy digestion from the goodness of fibre and stable glucose levels for balanced energy throughout the day, GOOD VITA-B12 supplements are essential for the production of efficient red blood cells and your overall wellbeing. Being nut, soy, dairy and allergen-free - most people can enjoy the benefits of Vitamin B12 dietary supplements without compromising their lifestyle. They are also Halal friendly!
Did we already mention they taste like pomegranate? But, seriously. You should try them.
Join the Vitamin B12 crew by getting yours here!
https://www.thegoodvitaminco.co.nz/products/good-vita-b12-energy-boost