Cobalamin or vitamin
B12 belongs to the family of B-vitamin family. The water soluble
B12 generally refers to cyanocobalamin (used to fortify foods
in nutritional supplements). Just like other B Complex vitamins,
B12 is needed to regulate cell activity. The term B12 refers
to the confluence of cobalt-containing composites also known
as corrinoids.
The people most prone to suffering
from a vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans and individuals diagnosed
with malabsorption or alcoholism. Since vegans do not consume
foods with animal proteins, a B12 supplement is vital. The same
applies to dieters who eliminate red meat, dairy products and
poultry from their weight loss plan. Since alcoholism may lead
to gastritis and severe damage in the intestinal lining, both
ailments interfere with vitamin B12 absorption. High amounts
of B12 are needed for individuals who have a malabsorption condition
or a deficit of intrinsic factor.
Vital for the body’s metabolism,
management of the central nervous system and production of red
blood cells, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the body’s
nutrition. The body’s metabolism includes the following variety
of processes to produce and use energy: absorption, circulation,
digestion, elimination, nutrition, respiration, and temperature
control. Quite often, the body is deprived of B12 during the
dieting process.
The common side effects or
symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include the following:
Abdominal pain
A loss of appetite
Burning of the tongue
Fatigue
Feebleness
Intermittent constipation
Menstrual symptoms
Psychological symptoms
Sporadic diarrhea
Tingling and numbness of feet and hands
Although, the body accumulates
multiple years of vitamin B12, nutritional deficiency is uncommon.
Dieters on a stringent diet of no dairy or animal proteins may
require B12 supplements to keep their energy level up. As a
result, Thermadrol, a weight loss supplement contains 600 mcgs
of B12. The extra B12 offers optimized energy as well as food
burning power.
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