Shocking Facts About Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. It helps make DNA, nerve and blood cells, and is crucial for a healthy brain and immune system. Your metabolism wouldn't run smoothly without it. But B12 isn't like other vitamins. It's only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish, and dairy. Up to 31% of people in India don't get enough B12, because they're vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestion problems, or be an adult over 50.

Facts;

Research conducted at the University of Oxford study found that vitamin B-12 deficiency may lead to brain shrinkage.

B-12 supplementation is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but preliminary reports suggest a link between vitamin B-12 deficiency and Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia, a fatigue ridden condition where red blood cells don't develop properly and can't carry oxygen efficiently.

As many as 30% of adults over 50 are unable to absorb B-12 in food, making supplementation the best source.

Researchers note that antacids, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists, are some of the most commonly used pharmaceuticals. Since the medications suppress the creation of gastric acid, antacids may lead to poor absorption of vitamin B12 which helps to keep the nervous system (brain, nerves and spinal cord) healthy.