B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of 12 B vitamins. B12 is an important B vitamin that helps to support your body’s blood and nerve cells and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. B12 is produced by bacteria when they exist in environments that contain the mineral cobalt. Certain animal products contain high levels of B12 because they consume these bacteria through the foods that they eat. B12 is predominantly found in animal products such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
There are very few plant based foods that contain bioactive vitamin B12 however trace amounts are found in nori seaweed, tempeh, and certain mushrooms. There are two forms of B12; methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. We’ve chosen to use methylcobalamin (over cyanocobalamin) because it is the naturally occurring form of B12 in the body. When you consume cyanocobalamin, the body must convert it into methylcobalamin. This means that methylcobalamin is more readily available to the body for uptake. Studies also reveal that methylcobalamin shows higher tissue retention.
What Is The Recommended Daily Amount of B12?
Adults are recommended to take 2.4 micrograms of B12 each day however higher doses are considered safe. Your body will absorb only as much B12 as it needs and excrete any excess through your urine. Fortunately, a single Terraseed capsule contains 59.2 mcg of Vitamin B12, more than enough to meet the recommended daily amount - allowing you to feel your best.
Vitamin B12 Key Benefit 1
B12 plays a critical role in the regulation of our nerve cells, helping to form and regenerate the nerve fibers that transmit signals from our brain to the rest of our body. Thus, B12 has a direct impact on various brain functions such as our mood regulation, perception formation, motor function and general state of mind.Vitamin B12 Key Benefit 2
You need B12 in your body in order to create red blood cells. Red blood cells act as messengers between our lungs and the rest of our body, carrying oxygen and removing CO2. Oxygen is the life force that sustains us and gives us energy to perform everyday tasks. Thus B12 helps us to feel energized, allowing us to thrive.Vitamin B12 Key Benefit 3
Because of the role B12 plays in the formation of cells, B12 helps to promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. B12 is a key component in the formation of these cells and thus can help boost the growth of hair and nails as well as reduce inflammation in your skin.Why Vegans May Need To Supplement Their B12 Intake
Because very few plant-based foods contain adequate B12 levels, vegans need to supplement their diet with B12 to ensure optimal cellular health. Drastically reduced cobalt levels in soil from depletion combined with the over-washing of vegetables makes B12 very difficult to get from plant-foods directly. B12 deficiency can have serious adverse health effects such as memory loss, anemia, fatigue, and brain damage. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that vegans supplement vitamin B12 daily.
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