Vitamin B12 is essential to the body, especially to the nervous system. It partners with folic acid in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells, and it helps to build a shield of protection around each of the nerve cells in the body. Because vitamin B12 contains the metal Cobalt, it is sometimes called Cobalamin. Vegetarians often become deficient in Vitamin B12 because the main source of this nutrient is meat protein. Supplementing the diet with liquid B12 is an excellent way to prevent B12 deficiency.
Whether the body receives B12 in the form of a liquid supplement or from digesting protein, it is absorbed into the intestinal tract when it combines with a substance called gastric intrinsic factor. Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, but it does not get carried away in the body’s urine like so many vitamin supplements do. Instead it collects in the liver and kidneys, remaining in the body for long periods of time. For this reason, a deficiency of B12 may not manifest for several years.
Maintaining proper levels of vitamin B12 will result in increased energy levels, a sound nervous system and a fortified immune system. Deficiency can result in a number of health problems including anemia, constipation, weight loss, neurological damage, vertigo, dementia, depression and fatigue. A severe deficiency can even lead to such serious diseases as AIDS and Multiple Sclerosis. It’s best to have a physician perform an examination to determine an individual’s specific daily requirement for vitamin B12. Taking liquid B12 is the most cost-effective and easy method for supplementing the diet. Hold the recommended dosage under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing to obtain maximum absorption.
Other ways to increase levels of vitamin B12 in the diet include eating foods with large amounts of protein. Liver is one of the foods containing the highest amount of B12. Lamb’s liver is particularly high in B12. Eggs and cheese and some kinds of fish also contain vitamin B12, but the amounts are fairly low. Strict vegetarians should be especially careful to supplement their diets with liquid B12. Age also plays a factor in absorption rates for B12, so older people must be more concerned about B12 deficiency than younger people.
Exceeding recommended dosage is potentially dangerous with liquid B12 because the body stores this nutrient in the tissues and organs. Overdosing, especially over a long period of time, can result in liver or kidney damage. The average amount of B12 required by the body per day is only about 2 micrograms. This equals a 2-millionth of a gram. Because absorption from foods is poor, it is safe to eat foods containing larger amounts of vitamin B12. But liquid B12 is highly concentrated and has a better absorption rate, making over-dosage a more likely scenario. One should always consult a physician before taking any supplement to ensure correct dosage and compatibility with current medications and other daily supplements.

Related Articles

• Take B12 Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
• Why Vitamin B12 Is Important To Your Body
• Vitamin B12 – Heart Healthy
• Vitamin B12 and Bodybuilding
• Vegetarians can take B12 supplements
• B12 & Anemia
• Low B12

In B12 Supplements. You can leave a response, or trackback from your site.