Vitamin B-12 is a key nutrient in the creation of your personal DNA, and it plays a vital role in cellular health, but most people correlate B-12 as a magic weapon for fighting fatigue. In reality, a deficiency in B-12 is what can lead to fatigue and weakness, according to information from the National Institutes of Health, and the organization estimates that between 1.5 percent and 15 percent of Americans have a B-12 deficiency.
The reasons so many people lack B-12 are dietary - B-12 is only found in animal foods and some fortified foods - or because of a digestive problem that prevents proper absorption, NIH reports. In a Dr. Oz article, the author explains that a lack of B-12 can also contribute to impaired brain function and even dementia in extreme cases.
The Need for Supplements
As is the case with Vitamin D, it may be difficult for some people to get enough B-12 from food alone. An article from WebMD reports that sources of naturally occurring B-12 include meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and eggs. For everyday assurance you're getting the right amount of B-12, experts encourage the inclusion of daily nutritional supplements in your diet. Wonder Labs recommends the following:
- Vitamin B-12 Sublingual , which contains 1000 mcg of B-12
- TRINFAC-B Intrinsic Factor, which has been proven to help enhance the absorption and utilization of B-12 taken orally. Intrinsic Factor is an enzyme secreted by the stomach, and the right amount is necessary for proper B-12 absorption.
- Sublingual B-12, B6, Folic Acid and Biotin ), which contains 1000 mcg of B- 12, 400 mcg of Folic Acid, and 5 mg of Vitamin B-6
B-12 and Pets
The proper daily amount of B-12 is also critical to pet health, but for dogs that have a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), B-12 may also play an even greater role. With EPI, the pancreas is unable to produce the enzymes the body needs to digest food, as explained by epi4dogs.com. Regular B-12 shots are often recommended to help pups battle this condition. Many owners have also purchased TRINFAC-B Intrinsic Factor (see above) for their animals, and have reported positive results.