Vitamin B12: The Essential Vitamin for Vegans and Vegetarians

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you have a 70-90% chance of being deficient in B12. To understand how important this vitamin is for your health, here are the main functions of B12: It is important that you know the difference between Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin: The first is artificial, it is not absorbed well, and in the absorption process it releases cyanide, which is considered a neurotoxin. The second is more natural, is better absorbed, and does not release cyanide. Although the amount of cyanide is small and our body, in the best conditions, can cope with its elimination, for many it can be a harmful burden. Furthermore, the absorption process, which requires several steps, is additional work (energy) that is preferable to save. I have verified that liquid B12 usually contain preservatives such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, which appear as potential carcinogens in different sources.

B12 deficiency in almost everyone

Vitamin B12 is linked to every cell in the nervous system, brain and metabolism. It is also responsible for regulating and synthesizing the DNA of cells. The body needs it to:

• Digest food well, use iron, and metabolize carbohydrates and fats.
• Keep the nervous system healthy.
• Produce melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates sleep.
• The synthesis of red blood cells.
• The formation of new cells and their lifespan.
• Make the blood circulate properly.
• Help the adrenal glands produce hormones.
• Keep the immune system in balance.
• Improve female fertility and pregnancy.
• Promote the correct function of attention and memory.

Many people are deficient in this vitamin even though they are told they have a “normal” blood level. But the reference levels have become obsolete according to studies carried out in recent years. The fact is that it is possible to have seemingly normal levels of B12 but be deficient. The reference level is usually between 110 – 800 pg/mL, but the optimal level is between. And there are more and more experts who recommend having an ideal level of 900 – 1000 pg/mL .

These are some of the symptoms that may appear if there is a deficiency of this essential vitamin:

• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Frequent fatigue
• Permanent inflammation
• Low immune system
• Fatigue
• Palpitations or shortness of breath
• Pale skin

• Mouth sores
• Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Vision loss
• Depression
• menstrual problems
• weight loss
• Muscular weakness

A high percentage of vegans and vegetarians are deficient in B12. In India, which is a basically vegetarian country, 80% of the population is deficient in B12. Even among many carnivores, deficiencies of this vitamin occur. And it is possible to have a level that is apparently acceptable by current medical criteria, but have a deficiency at the cellular level. This is why B12 deficiency is becoming an epidemic , and even more so among vegans and vegetarians. Of all the deficiencies, vitamin B12 is one of the most dangerous. Its lack can produce symptoms such as those that occur when Alzheimer's symptoms appear. And the problem worsens since the absorption of this vitamin decreases as we age. Many people with autoimmune diseases, especially thyroid diseases, are deficient in B12. Since this vitamin modulates the immune system, its deficiency can make any autoimmune disease worse. Although animal products do have B12, many carnivores are also deficient in this vitamin. Vegetarians can use foods such as pollen, royal jelly, or eggs to ensure that they are providing some B12, but many times it is not enough and the ideal is to take a supplement.

In which cases is it recommended to use vitamin B12

• If you are vegan or vegetarian
• skin diseases
• Strengthen the nervous system
• Autoimmune diseases
• Memory improvement
• Anemia
• Depression and Dementia
• Chronic fatigue

But the problem is even greater since the general public is unaware of the fact that the vast majority of B12 sold in both pharmacies and herbalists is NOT absorbed well. I am referring to cobalamin which is found in almost all B12 or B complex supplements. If you really want to increase your B12 levels you should use Methylcobalamin which is absorbed much better.