THE vitamin b12 It is, like the other B vitamins, extremely important for protein metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells, maintenance of the central nervous system and gastrointestinal system, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
It gets through bacteria and by some types of microorganisms present in water, soil and plants. These are ingested by animals and live in their intestines, producing vitamin B12 which accumulates in their body and/or is excreted. Therefore, animals depend on the microbial production of their own intestinal flora or their presence in the diet.
However, currently, the soils are low in vitamin B12-producing bacteria, due to the amount of chemicals used in agriculture, which is why even grazing animals cannot obtain sufficient quantities, according to nutritionist Cristina Casado, of the Vegetarian Union Spanish (UVE ).
According to some studies by the US National Library of Medicine. Human beings also produce B12 in their body, but they do it in small quantities and cannot assimilate it, so they need to get it from the outside, i.e. through the food or supplementation.
People with an omnivorous diet generally get it by consuming animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish. But the people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet they should be supplemented, as plant-based products have little or no amounts of it unless fortified, which can cause a deficiency and harm your health.
When is the best time to take vitamin B12?
Supplementation is a simple and safe way to obtain B12, unlike consuming dairy products, eggs or fortified foods, with which it is very difficult to reach the daily requirement when consumed in normal quantities, according to the UVE specialist.
Also, he recommends taking it fast to take advantage of its maximum absorption, although it can be taken at any time of the day.
Of course, it is always advisable to consult a doctor who makes a personalized diagnosis and according to the needs of each person.
Source: Clarin
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