Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a crucial cofactor within the human body. This vitamin performs various functions but is not produced within the body and must be obtained externally through diet. Moreover, unlike most vitamins, B12 is not found in plants.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 include mainly fungi, algae, and bacteria. In particular, algae and fungi produce inactive forms, unlike bacteria that produce already active vitamin. The active forms from a chemical point of view are methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin, which are functional in humans.

Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme of vital importance for the proper functioning of two other enzymatic systems: methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which plays an important role in lipid metabolism, and homocysteine methyltransferase, which allows the synthesis of the amino acid methionine.

It is essential to maintain a proper intake of vitamin B12, which is crucial for circulation, lipid metabolism, and the integrity of the nervous system.

The active forms from a chemical point of view are methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin, which are functional in humans.

In cases of deficiency, there can be an accumulation of homocysteine, a substance that can cause cardiovascular problems. However, vegetarians have a significantly reduced cardiovascular risk: their diet allows them to have a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular issues compared to omnivores. It is important to highlight the risk of anaemia that can develop when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12.

Vegetarians must also keep in mind certain guidelines to ensure a normal intake of vitamin B12 through their diet. In fact, plant foods are devoid of this nutrient: this is why a well-balanced diet and an efficient ability of the body to assimilate it are essential to avoid the risk of deficiencies. Therefore, care must also be taken with the simultaneous intake of antacid medications or antidiabetic drugs like metformin, which could significantly lower the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body.

In vegetarians, the cardiovascular risk is 25% lower compared to omnivores.

Regarding foods to prefer to increase the intake of vitamin B12 in the body, supplements should definitely be preferred. In fact, there are foods fortified with vitamin B12, but they currently represent a niche market, also because detailed information about the source of the vitamin is not provided. The most commonly used form in commercial preparations is cyanocobalamin: it exploits the ability to lose the cyanide ion, which poses no toxicity, contrary to what many claim.

Most supplements containing vitamin B12 are of bacterial origin: in particular, bacteria that produce the so-called 'red vitamin' used in supplements are exploited. Supplements are particularly convenient as obtaining vitamin from foods like meat can be unproductive: the active vitamin present in animals comes from the administration of supplements to them during their feeding. This is why it is better to take the vitamin formed by bacteria directly to maintain a proper intake. Vitamin B12 can be taken not only orally through supplements but also sublingually and parenterally. These methods are convenient as they bypass gastrointestinal issues and ensure proper absorption of the substance.

 [otw_shortcode_button href="https://www.tibiona.it/vitamina-b12-90-capsule-?utm_source=bt71116&utm_medium=post" size="medium" icon_position="left" shape="square"]Buy vitamin B12 now[/otw_shortcode_button]