If you’ve tried every possible thing to boost your energy, but still feel drained, you may wish to start looking for answers somewhere else. Dropping levels of Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the main overlooked reasons. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that lies at the core of our body’s ability to make DNA for forming new cells, transform the food that we eat into energy, required to power our metabolism and also to form healthy red blood cells. According to the recent studies about 15-40% people on an average suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Should You Be Concerned?
Now, you must be wondering why you should be concerned with Vitamin B12 deficiency. You would be surprised to know, but insufficient levels of this vitamin can be one main reason for mood changes, deep fatigue supported by symptoms of dementia, which may prevent you from performing to the best of your abilities and the best of your energy. If left unchecked or ignored, Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage. This is why it is important for you to be concerned with its falling levels.
Prominent symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
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Unusual mood swings
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Lack of vitality and energy
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Difficulty in concentrating
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Feeling of numbness in feet and hands
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Inflamed and cracked tongue
Who’s At The Risk Of Developing Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
The trending changes in lifestyles, medications and diets have been affecting our Vitamin B12 levels drastically. And while you should be taking to your health care provider regarding your personal history, mentioned below are certain groups which stand a close change of developing this deficiency:
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If You Are On Certain Medication
The absorption of Vitamin B12 largely occurs in the stomach. Here, the acid inside the stomach works to unlock B12 from the food that you eat and makes it available to other parts of your body. In case you are on medication which supress the production of gastric acid, you may become vulnerable to develop Vitamin B12 deficiency.
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If You’ve Had Gastrointestinal Surgery Or Are Suffering From Gastrointestinal Disorders
Any kind of stomach surgery, such as gastric bypass, can affect your body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12 normally. Also, if you’re suffering from IBS, celiac disease or Crohn’s disease then again, your chances of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency are extremely high. This is because you may be unable to absorb sufficient quantities of this vitamin from your food.
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If You Are 50 Years Or Above
Our body tends to undergo various changes as we age and changes in the stomach lining are one of them. These changes can reduce the production of stomach acid by up to 30% and as a result, your body loses its capacity to unlock sufficient quantities of Vitamin B12 from food sources. This is why, it is largely recommended that aging adults should consume high quality Vitamin B12 supplements, such as iOTH’s Tough and Ton. What’s the difference? These dietary supplements contain Vitamin B12 in its free form and as such these do not depend on the unlocking mechanism of gastric acid in the stomach.
Top Ways to Boost Your Vitamin B12 Levels
Besides taking quality supplements, what could be the other possible ways to boost Vitamin B12 levels in your body?
Certain foods are naturally rich in Vitamin B12 content. For instance, animal foods like poultry, pork, seafood and dairy products are some of the most reliable sources. While fortified foods, especially the breakfast cereals are enough to make up required amounts of this vitamin for your body. Here are some of the easiest ways you can boost Vitamin B12 levels in your body:
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Begin Your Day With Fortified Foods
Make healthy eating and fulsome breakfast a part of your daily habit. Try munching on fortified foods, especially at your breakfast table. These foods are not only affordable but are also one of the easiest ways to get you the required amount of B12.
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Unlock The Health Benefits Of Clam
Sea food is by far one of the best sources to gain sufficient quantities of Vitamin B12. It is quite interesting to know that mere 3 ounces of canned clams would be sufficient to supply 100% Vitamin B12 to your body and is also an excellent source of protein, zinc, iron and selenium. Trout, salmon and sardines are also known to deliver similar health benefits.
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Given Up On Red Meat? Try Nutritional Yeast
All those who have given up on red meat or follow a vegan diet, can fulfil their Vitamin B12 requirements by taking B12 enriched nutritional yeast. All you need to do is just sprinkle some amounts of nutritional yeast on your daily meals or smoothies or even on your desserts to meet your daily Vitamin B12 requirements.
