Vitamin B-12 helps in the overall maintenance of the central nervous system, the formation of healthy red blood cells and the fatty insulation surrounding nerve cells. Studies show that b-12 is essential for memory and concentration and cancer prevention.
B-12 deficiency is rare because the human body stores it for several years. Yet, B-12 deficiency appears to increases with age, and in some cases among vegetarians and vegans who don't follow a balanced diet. Symptoms of B-12 deficiency include balance problems, diarrhea, fatigue, forgetfulness, anemia, a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, and numbness in the extremities.
Still, research shows that only 2-3 micrograms of B-12 is needed daily. There is however a big hype over B-12 deficiency among vegans and vegetarians because it's known that the only source of B-12 comes from animal products. The problem is blown way out of proportion and there is no proof that the vegan and vegetarian population has a higher rate of B-12 deficiency.
It is true that spirulina, a blue-green algae found in warm water lakes, is one of the only vegetarian sources of b-12 known to man kind, but studies suggest that the b-12 can't be absorbed by humans, so vegetarians must rely on eggs and dairy products. Vegans should probably use a b-12 supplement just in case. In addition, there are many foods that are fortified with b-12, including breakfast cereals, yeast extracts and veggie burger mixes.
We recommend The Vitamin Shoppe for all your B-12 vitamin and supplement needs.
