THE diet is closely related to physical and mental healthHence the importance of incorporating vitamins and nutrients. And among these, the vitamin b12 it plays a vital role that brings benefits and women need to be vigilant.
Vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of our body, which is enhanced after the age of 50 and after menopause in women. And within the group of B vitamins there is one in particular.
What is Vitamin B12
“Vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for protein metabolism. It helps formation of red blood cells and to the maintenance of Central nervous system“, he sums up MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine.
Vitamin B12 benefits
Vitamin B12 helps you harness the energy of proteins and fats from food and to make red blood cells that carry oxygen to working cells and muscles, explain from the site of centerAmerican brand of multivitamins manufactured by Haleon, originally Pfizer and GSK.
The intake of B12, also called cobalaminIt doesn’t change over the years. However, age alters how the body processes it
Naturally sourced B12 uses stomach acid to aid in absorption, but its production decreases with age.
For this reason, it is best to get most of your vitamin B12 after age 50 multivitamins and fortified foods.
Vitamin B12 in women
Aside from the fact that vitamin B12 is not directly related to a woman’s menstrual cycle, there are studies suggesting that its deficiency could be related to problems such as Irregular and painful periods.
It could also negatively affect the fertility in womenincreasing the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia or preterm labor, describes the site The Spanish.
Hence some reasons why it is recommended to include it in the diet.
Anyway, It is always essential to consult a doctor before starting any process, for a correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What foods contain vitamin B12
The amount of vitamin B12 a person needs per day depends on their age and physical condition. The following are examples provided by the publication of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the United States.
In foods of animal origin:
- Fish (especially herring, salmon, tuna and trout)
- Poultry and beef
- Egg
- Dairy products (cow’s milk, mozzarella, yoghurt)
- cooked oysters and clams
- steamed seafood
Those people whose diet is strictly vegetarian should acquire this vitamin through supplements or with fortified foods or beverages. Among these are:
- Vegetable drinks (almonds, soy, coconut or oats)
- Nutritional yeast (similar to brewer’s yeast), free from dairy, gluten and soy.
Vitamin B12 deficiency problems
“People who follow a Vegetarian or vegan diet may be prone to vitamin B12 deficiency, as vegetables do not contain it. Also the elderly and people with pathologies of the digestive tract that affect the absorption of nutrients,” explains in Mayo Clinicworld leader in healthcare, research and education.
On the other hand, the health site warns that if left untreated, it can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency some serious health problems:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Intestinal problems
- nerve damage
- Mood disorders
The recommended daily amount of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.