5 min
Vitamin B12
In short
Vitamin B12 (or cobalamin) is a member of the B vitamin family and plays a major role in the functioning of the nervous system, blood formation and energy production.
It is mainly found in foods of animal origin. Vegans are therefore at high risk of deficiency.
If you feel weak, lacking in energy or even irritable, increase your dietary intake of vitamin B12 and supplement it if necessary with a course of treatment, preferably in the form of methylcobalamin.
In the age of "junk food" and ready-made meals, and when the proportion of the household budget spent on food is constantly decreasing, it is clear that we are becoming increasingly deficient. Whether it's vitamins, minerals or other essential nutrients, we are no longer providing our bodies with enough fuel, even though certain components are only found in the food we eat.
One common deficiency among others is vitamin B12. If you feel weak, lacking in energy or even irritable, beware: you may be suffering from anaemia, which can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12!
What is vitamin B12?
As its name suggests, vitamin B12 is a member of the B vitamin group (which, paradoxically, consists of only 8 officially recognised vitamins). Vitamins are organic substances that cannot be synthesised by the body and must therefore be supplied by the diet.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the water-soluble vitamins. It plays a role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as in the formation of blood. It is also involved in the synthesis of DNA and fatty acids, and contributes to energy production in the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: what consequences?
As you can see, foods rich in vitamin B12 are not always on the menu of many of us, which explains the frequent deficiencies. This is especially true for people on a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, as almost all sources of vitamin B12 are of animal origin.
Because vitamin B12 is involved in blood formation, the main symptom of a deficiency is anaemia. Anemia is characterised by a lack of red blood cells in the blood, which serve to transport oxygen through the body. This results in rapid shortness of breath, lack of energy and tone, general fatigue and even dizziness.
But in addition to these symptoms, vitamin B12 deficiency can have the following symptoms:
- Loss of memory and appetite ;
- Nervous disorders: depression, psychosis, memory disorders;
- Anxiety and confusion;
- Lowered immunity, weakened digestive system;
- Paralysis and tingling.
We recommend
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 in its active and bioavailable form, methylcobalamin.
- ✅ 100% pure methylcobalamin
- ✅ Optimal dosage 1000 μg
- ✅ 4 months of treatment
- ✅ Made in France
What are the benefits of vitamin B12?
Logically, the benefits of vitamin B12 are closely related to the consequences of its deficiency.
First and foremost, it contributes to the formation of sufficiently numerous and healthy red blood cells, an essential prerequisite for the proper oxygenation of organs and tissues, and therefore for feeling more energetic and less tired.
As vitamin B12 is involved in the functioning of the brain and neurons, it is essential to ensure normal psychological functions, and therefore to fight against depression, anxiety, paranoia, etc.
A minimum dose of vitamin B12 is also necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems. It is involved in cell renewal through its action on DNA, but also regulates the metabolism of certain amino acids such as homocysteine, an excess of which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
It should also be noted that this vitamin is important in pregnant women, ensuring sufficient blood volume and helping to develop the nervous system of the foetus.
How to choose your vitamin B12 supplement?
If you are deficient in vitamin B12, you have two options, the first being to change your diet to include foods rich in B12, as discussed earlier. But if the deficiency is severe, you can't change your eating habits as easily, or you simply need quick and effective help, vitamin B12 supplementation is a very good second option.
This is generally presented in the form of a capsule to be swallowed. This is a simple and practical way to supplement easily and make up for vitamin deficiencies. Nevertheless, there are criteria for choosing your vitamin B12 capsules, as not all supplements on the market are of equal quality.
The main criteria for choosing a vitamin B12 supplement are the nature of the active ingredient and the quantity of that ingredient.
The nature of the active ingredient is crucial, as it has a strong impact on the efficiency of the absorption of the product. Not all active ingredients are absorbed in the same way by the body. With this in mind, we have chosen methylcobalamin as the active ingredient in our vitamin B12.
Il s’agit de la forme bioactive d'origine naturelle de la vitamine ; elle est mieux assimilée que la cyanocobalamine que l'on retrouve dans la majorité des compléments. Le choix de la méthylcobalamine assure une absorption rapide et totale par l’organisme.
The second factor is the dosage of the active substance. A daily intake of 1000 μg is adequate to meet the body's needs and effectively reduce any B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12: contraindications
There is no particular contraindication to taking vitamin B12, although it is best to speak to your GP if you are taking medication at the same time. Be careful to avoid overdosing teenagers with severe acne.
And remember that the safest way to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, or any deficiency in general, is to eat a healthy, balanced diet!
