12 Things You Should Know About Vit. B-12

1. if you are over 50 it is very likely that you have lost the ability to absorb this vitamin from food
2. if you are a strict vegetarian or vegan you may not be getting enough vit. B-12
3. the same goes for those who have celiac disease
4. vit B-12 is very important for metabolism, our central nervous system and much more
5. it is not available from plant foods
6. it is found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and foods that have been fortified
7. how to tell if a food has been fortified-read the label!
8. lack of vit. B-12 may cause balance issues, weakness, numbness in arms or legs and other health issues
9. many health professionals recommend  a supplement of 25-100 mcg. daily
10. if you do take a supplement it should be taken along with the other B vitamins
11. if you are #1 or #2 it is suggested that when you have blood work done that it include testing for your B-12 level
12. i like to think that we can get all of our nutritional needs from the food that we eat but that is not always possible. i also didn't know that after 50 our bodies can't absorb this vitamin very easily.  this is also a concern for many elderly people who are very likely lacking vit. b-12, something easily corrected that may have an impact on their quality of life