You have surely heard of vitamin B, the “beauty vitamin”. What would you say if we focused on vitamin B-12, which is so valuable for the body?
What is it and where does it help?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B vitamin complex. It is essential for the production of red blood cells, the normal functioning of the nervous and immune system and stress management.
More specifically:
- It is responsible for the production and renewal of cells in the body
- It is used for the synthesis of myelin, a basic substance that surrounds and protects nerves
- It is not called “energy vitamin” by chance, as it is used to convert carbohydrates into glucose, providing energy to the body
- It contributes to maintaining a healthy digestive system
- It is inextricably linked to good mood, the reduction of stress and symptoms of depression
- It enhances memory
In which foods is it found?
In foods of animal origin, that is:
- in dairy products
- in meat
- in seafood
Its deficiency… seriously damages health
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a drop in hematocrit and consequently a feeling of fatigue, weakness and/or constipation. In addition, it has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as numbness in the extremities, memory loss, instability, confusion, and even depression.
Alerting signs
- Fatigue without apparent cause
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Change in the color or texture of the tongue
Of course, these symptoms are often confused with those of other conditions and you may overlook them. A simple blood test is enough to determine if you have a B12 deficiency.
What to do if you don’t have enough B-12
Vitamin B12 is not produced by the body, but is obtained through diet or supplements. Especially if you have excluded animal products from your diet, it would be good to consult your doctor and pharmacist about taking a special supplement.
Vitamin B12 deficiency shows on the face!
Apart from symptoms that mainly affect body fatigue, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with:
- Dull appearance of the skin
- Dryness
- Dull hair that breaks
- Weak nails
- Acne
And this is explained because…
Vitamin B-12 is responsible for the production and renewal of cells and therefore essential for healthy, strong and radiant hair, nails and skin! So, if your skin is dull or dry, your hair and nails are weak, look in the pharmacy for specialized cosmetic products and dietary supplements that help significantly in strengthening and repairing them.