There is no shortage of vitamins, minerals, and supplements on the market today, all trying to convince us that each one is the magic bullet for optimum health. Separating the hype from the facts is no easy task. So which vitamins and supplements do you really need? I believe the answer is different for all of us depending on our genetics and diet. Only your Dr. can tell you with blood work if you are deficient in an important vitamin or nutrient. However, for some people like myself, we know that due to our dietary choices that we may need to supplement some vitamins or minerals to feel our best. Vitamin B-12 is one of those for me.
Vitamin B-12 is an important, water soluble vitamin that your body cannot produce or store. It must be consumed either through diet or supplementation. It is vital for red blood cell formation, as well as neurological and DNA functions. Vitamin B-12 may help to prevent anemia, a condition that can make you feel tired and weak. Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency may include fatigue, balance problems, memory trouble, and numbness or tingling in the body.
The main food sources of vitamin B-12 are animal products. Organ meats, clams, sardines, beef, tuna, and salmon are some of the foods highest in vitamin B-12. Obviously since I am a vegetarian, none of those foods are on my menu. A few plant based options that do contain varying amounts of vitamin B-12 are available such as nutritional yeast, algae/seaweed, some mushrooms, and fortified products like plant milks and cereals. But to make sure that I get enough of this vital nutrient into my diet, I use a vegan vitamin B-12 supplement. But there’s more than one form of vitamin B-12 supplement. Which one is best for you? Let’s look.
The two most common forms of vitamin B-12 supplements are methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. Methyl is a natural form of B-12 and cyano is a synthetic form of B-12. Although there are distinct differences between the two, studies have shown that both of these forms of vitamin B-12 can help prevent deficiency. Methyl is the more active form of B-12, and has been shown to be retained and used more efficiently by our body. It is for these reasons that I choose to use the Methyl form of vitamin B-12 supplement. Per blood work, this form has worked effectively to maintain my vitamin B-12 levels for years now.
Vitamin B-12 is so important for our overall health. I urge you to have your levels checked by your Dr. Even those who are non-vegans and vegetarians can become deficient in B-12. The more you know about your health, the better you can take control of it!
Have a beautiful day!