THE LOW-DOWN ON VITAMIN B-12

If you constantly feel like you have been zapped of energy it’s possible that your body is lacking proper amounts of vitamin B-12.  This important vitamin is normally found in animal food sources (particularly red meat) and helps to prevent against muscle weakness, depression, and swelling of the hands and feet.

You may not be getting enough Vitamin B-12 if you are avoiding meat altogether. A good way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin B-12 is by eating plenty of yogurt, pecans, almonds, walnuts, and whole grain breakfast cereals that have been fortified.  Starting your day with Vitamin B-12 included in a fortified breakfast cereal is an affordable way to get the dose you need without having to worry about it for the rest of the day while keeping you energized and full until your midday meal.

With lots of people recognizing the health benefits of eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, Vitamin B-12 can sometimes be a nutrient that needs to be supplemented.  Nutritional yeast is usually fortified with Vitamin B-12 as well and can be used as a supplement by adding a few dashes to your smoothies, pasta dishes, or casseroles.  Nutritional yeast usually comes in powder or flake form and can be bought in bulk at most health food stores.  Always be sure to check your labels, as some nutritional yeast products provide more of the vitamin than others.

However, “If you seem to be adding Vitamin B-12 to your diet and are still feeling overly fatigued and sore after workouts, it could be related to a B-12 deficiency in your body and you should ask your doctor about your options.”

Vitamin B-12 deficiencies are not recognized in some cases and have been said by doctors to be under-diagnosed.  Injections of the vitamin is an option for people who have been diagnosed with the issue, but tend to be very expensive and only distributed by prescription.

Supplements of Vitamin B-12 come in various forms that are as effective as injections as well such as oral tablets, patches and lozenges that also provide an adequate dose if you feel you aren’t getting enough in your everyday diet.  Vitamin B-12 supplements offer an immediate boost of energy and can prevent some forms of blood disease and anemia.  It’s important you talk to your doctor before taking any kind of vitamins or supplements.