We hear and read so much about vitamins and minerals these days and to be honest, I for one never used to know what any of them where or why I really needed them. I guess I got to the point where I was like – if some Doctor or advertisement is going to tell me I NEED something – I should really understand it’s purpose and function. And now I get to share it with you!

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard how important B Vitamins are to your health – and if you haven’t – well, now you have

The B Vitamin group is made up of a total of 8 vitamins. B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid (B9) , biotin (B7), and pantothenic acid.

B6, B12, folic acid being the three that get the most press. CLICK HERE to read about folic acid.

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamine) is a water soluble vitamin. What does that mean? Well basically it means that your body uses what it wants and then pees the rests out – so unlike fat soluble vitamins, you consistency have to replace your supply.

Having said that, B12 is a special vitamin – it’s slowly absorbed and your body will actually accumulate stores of B12, so deficiency is rare – but possible (long term vegans and elderly are the most susceptible to deficiency).

Why Do we Need B12?

• Important for metabolic function – helps your body produce energy and ‘sets it free’ for your body to use!
• Helps with Red Blood Cell formation – needed to carry oxygen throughout your body
• Helps with normal function of gastrointestinal tract
• Helps formation of bone marrow
• Helps with neurological function
• Needed to make DNA  (especially important to fetal growth)

Where Can you Get B12?

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Fortified foods like breakfast cereals

How Much B12 should you get?

2.4 micrograms ( Women and Men ago 31- 50) * based on 2001 Dietary Reference Intakes

Click on the names to ready more about:

Vitamin E, Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Antioxidants, Potassium, folic acid, and Iron.