What does vitamin B12 do?
Vitamin B12 is one of the most important vitamins for the human body. Yet, many people do not know exactly what vitamin B12 does, where it is found, and why optimal intake is so important for health.
Vitamin B12 is considered an essential nutrient involved in numerous processes in the body. From energy production to the nervous system, and from the immune system to mental resilience: without sufficient vitamin B12, many bodily functions cannot operate optimally.
In this article, you will read exactly what vitamin B12 is, what functions it has, where you can obtain it, and why the form of vitamin B12 can be important.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the vitamin B-complex.
Unlike many other vitamins, vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal foods such as:
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
Our body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own. Therefore, we depend on diet or supplementation to obtain sufficient amounts.
A special characteristic of vitamin B12 is that the body can store a reserve in the liver. As a result, deficiencies may sometimes only become noticeable after a longer period of time.
Vitamin B12 fulfills several important functions in the body:
Vitamin B12 supports energy levels
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Vitamin B12 helps reduce fatigue
Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system
Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B12 supports mental function
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
Vitamin B12 supports the immune system
Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells
Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 supports the cell division process
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the cell division process.
Although vitamin B12 is found in many animal-based foods, there are groups that need to pay extra attention to their intake.
Vegetarians and vegans
Because vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, vegetarians and especially vegans are at an increased risk of low intake.
Elderly
As one ages, the absorption of vitamin B12 may decrease.
This is partly because the production of stomach acid can change, whereas stomach acid is necessary for the proper absorption of vitamin B12 from food.
People with reduced absorption
Certain gastrointestinal problems can affect the absorption of vitamin B12. Poor oral health can also influence the absorption of vitamin B12.
Not all vitamin B12 supplements contain the same form.
The most common forms are:
- Cyanocobalamin
- Methylcobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
- Hydroxocobalamin
Within orthomolecular nutrition, extra attention is often paid to the biologically active forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
These forms occur naturally in the body and can be directly utilized in various metabolic processes. Synthetic forms must first be converted into an active form in the body. The absorption of vitamin B12 is already very difficult, meaning this conversion is often not optimal.
Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin is the active form primarily involved in processes related to the nervous system and methylation.
Methylation is an essential biochemical process involved in hundreds of reactions in the body.
Adenosylcobalamin
Adenosylcobalamin is found mainly in the mitochondria, the energy factories of our cells.
This form plays an important role in energy metabolism.
Therefore, a combination of both active forms is often chosen.
Although supplementation can be a valuable addition for some people, diet remains the foundation.
Foods that naturally contain vitamin B12 include:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
For people who consume few or no animal products, supplementation can be a practical solution.
Beyuna Vitamin B12 contains the biologically active forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin in a liquid formula.
Additionally, the formula contains only a limited number of ingredients:
- Methylcobalamin
- Adenosylcobalamin
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Purified water
- Organic glycerin
This aligns the product with Beyuna's Clean Label philosophy, in which unnecessary additives are avoided as much as possible. Unnecessary sweeteners, which are often found in sublingual tablets, are therefore avoided. Vitamin B12 is absorbed by the saliva in your mouth. That is why Beyuna has chosen a liquid formula that you drop under your tongue.
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin involved in numerous processes in the body. The vitamin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, helps reduce fatigue and tiredness, and supports the nervous system, the immune system, and mental function.
Because vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products, it is important to be mindful of adequate intake. For people seeking extra support, a high-quality supplement containing biologically active forms such as methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
