Overview of vitamin b12
Vitamin b12 is naturally found in animal food. We can also add up b12 in food and supplements. It is important, that our body should create a good amount of red blood cells and DNA for which the need for vitamin 12 comes into consideration. It also helps in the functioning of the brain and nerve cells.
Vitamin b12 is bound with the protein that we consume in our food. Hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin b12 into free form in the stomach. After this, vitamin b12 is combined with a type of protein which is called intrinsic factor so, it can be further absorbed down into the small intestine.
B12 in its free form is found in supplements and fortified meals, making it easier to absorb. Vitamin B12 supplements come in a variety of forms. Although some believe that particular forms—such as sublingual tablets or liquids placed under the tongue to be absorbed through the mouth’s tissues—absorb better than regular tablets, investigations have found no significant difference.
Vitamin B12 tablets come in high doses considerably beyond the recommended dietary limit, however, these high doses are not always the amount that is absorbed because a suitable level of intrinsic factor is also required. Doctors may provide B12 injections in the muscle in cases of severe vitamin B12 insufficiency caused by insufficient intrinsic factors (pernicious anemia).
Recommended amount for vitamin b12
RDA: The recommended dietary allowance for men and women ages 14 years and older is 2.4 micrograms daily. In case, of pregnancy and lactation, the amount increases to 2.6 to 2.8 MCG daily respectively.
Ul: A tolerable upper intake level is the maximum daily dose which can cause an adverse effect in the general population. No upper limit has been set for vitamin b12 which can define its toxicity level. However, some studies and evidence suggest that 25 mcg or higher per day may result in bone fracture.
Are you getting enough amount of vitamin b12?
The food, Unites states people eat provides them with enough amount of vitamin b12. But the most important problem faced by people is the absorption of vitamin b12. Our body absorbs vitamin b12 in 2 ways. First, hydrochloric acid separates vitamin b12 from the protein. Second, the freed vitamin B12 then combines with a protein made by the stomach, called intrinsic factor, and the body absorbs them together.
Vitamin b12 in dietary supplements is not attached to protein and doesn’t require the first step. However, B12 in supplements does need to combine with intrinsic factors to be absorbed.
People suffering from pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune disease, can’t make intrinsic factors. As a result of which, they have trouble absorbing vitamin b12 from foods and dietary supplements.
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults. Your doctor can test your vitamin B12 level to see if you have a deficiency.
Certain age groups in the general population may not get a good amount of vitamin b12 or are not able to absorb it.
- Many older adult finds it difficult to absorb vitamin b12 which is naturally present in the food. The reason behind this is the lack of hydrochloric acid. It is important that people over 50 should get their most amount of vitamin b12 From forfeited foods or dietary supplements because, in most cases, their body can absorb vitamin b12.
- People with autoimmune diseases called atrophic gastritis might not absorb enough amount of vitamin b12 because they make less amount of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factors in their stomach.
- Pernicious anemia patients do not produce the intrinsic factor required for vitamin B12 absorption. As a result, individuals struggle to absorb vitamin B12 from foods and supplements. Vitamin B12 shots are the most common treatment for pernicious anemia. However, very high doses of vitamin B12 taken orally may also be beneficial.
- Some types of stomach or intestinal surgery (for example, to decrease weight or remove part or all of the stomach) may result in insufficient hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor to absorb vitamin B12.
