Vitamin B12 - Nutrition Fridays

This week we take a look at Vitamin B12 which many of you may have heard a lot about recently.

What does Vitamin B12 do?

Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells. Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the foods we eat. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form.

Even though the vitamin is found in many foods, B12 insufficiency and deficiency are relatively common. This is often due to limited dietary intake, malabsorption, certain medical conditions, or the use of B12-depleting medications.

In fact, studies suggest that up to 20% of people over the age of 60 in the United States and the United Kingdom are deficient in the vitamin. *https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms

Common signs of Deficiency

If you're experiencing any signs of the below symptoms it may be a sign you have a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Though please don't self diagnose and speak with a doctor.

1. Fatigue

2. Pale or yellow skin

3. Headache

4. Depressive Symptoms

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

6. Difficulty Concentrating or mental impairment

7. Pain and inflammation of the mouth and tongue

8. Paresthesia in hands and feet

*https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms#How-is-B12-deficiency-detected-and-treated?

Vitamin B12 can also improve your memory and helps prevent heart disease and if you're wondering what some great sources of Vitamin B12 these are:-

• Fish,

• Red Meats

• Poultry,

• Eggs,

• Milk,

If you struggle to get them in your diet there is a supplement form available, to help you achieve the daily intake.

Information on nutrition is changing all the time so we recommend you keep up to date with the most recent research and adjust your diet accordingly. Speak with a nutritionist if you have any concerns.

Check back next week for more Nutrition with our Personal Trainer Jade Harris

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Reference

**https://time.com/4291505/when-vegetable-oil-isnt-as-healthy-as-you-think/#:~:text=The%20unsaturated%20fats%20found%20in,to%20cause%20a%20heart%20attack.