What is Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential and water-soluble vitamin that cannot be produced by animals or plants in nature. Only microorganisms in the digestive tract of animals or soil bacteria are able to produce vitamin B12. The human intestinal flora also produces vitamin B12 in the large intestine. However, this cannot be absorbed, so that humans are dependent on the ingestion of vitamin B12 with food.
Methylcobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 in the central nervous system (brain) and in the blood. It is mainly found in the cell plasma. Methylcobalamin promotes the conversion of homocysteine, a toxic waste in our metabolism, into methionine. Methylcobalamin is also a precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is involved in the formation of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine. This explains why vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function. In addition, methylcobalamin reactivates inactive, useless folic acid into its metabolically effective folate form.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for:
- the formation of red blood cells,
- the structure and function of the brain and nerve cells,
- to support cell growth, cell maturation and cell division,
- to regulate protein and energy metabolism,
- for the prevention of arteriosclerotic and neurological diseases.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Today, many meat eaters are also deficient in the B12 vitamin. Sufficient vitamin B12 in the diet is only one factor that determines the B12 supply. In the case of digestive disorders (e.g. stomach inflammation / gastritis), the absorption of B12 can be severely disturbed. Another factor is that this vitamin needs what is known as the intrinsic factor in order to be absorbed by the body. This is a substance that carries the vitamin from the stomach into the small intestine, where it can be absorbed by the body. If the intrinsic factor is missing, no more vitamin B12 is absorbed, unless one takes very high doses of the vitamin. However, these high doses cannot be achieved through natural nutrition.
Basically everyone can get a B12 deficiency. The main causes of a deficiency are insufficient intake of B12 from food or an intake disorder that becomes more common with increasing age.
Mandatory for vegetarians and vegans
Vegans often lack vitamin B12. Vegans and sometimes vegetarians who refrain from taking milk and eggs must therefore ensure that they are supplied with vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms
A typical symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is a certain form of anemia in which the red blood cells are abnormally enlarged (megaloblastic anemia). Characteristic signs are pale skin and mucous membranes, regression of the mouth, tongue and intestinal mucous membranes with subsequent impairment of nutrient absorption as well as unspecific symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue and dizziness.
The second group of symptoms, cobalamin deficiency, is much more serious than impaired blood formation. This leads to damage to the central nervous system, which results in sensory disorders (e.g. "ants tingling" on hands, feet and other parts of the body), lack of appetite, weak reflexes and movement, disorders of movement coordination and psychiatric disorders such as confusion, hallucinations, Memory disorders up to psychosis, can express.
In old age, a vitamin B12 deficiency causes a more rapid decline in memory performance and thus possibly a higher risk of dementia.
How does our body store vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is required in all body cells. The total amount of vitamin B12 is 2 to 5 mg. 60% of this is stored in the liver, another 30% in the muscles. The remaining 10% is in the bloodstream.
Vitamin B12 mouth spray kids tasty & fresh!
The simplest and safest way to ensure an optimal B12 supply is to take concentrated vitamin B12 in the form of a dietary supplement. This vitamin B12 spray is easy to use: just shake it and give 1 puff in your mouth. It's alcohol-free and vegan.
ingredients
Alpine spring water, BIO glycerine, potassium sorbate, citric acid, vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin).
contents
210 spray servings of 3µg vitamin B12, 25ml.
Consumption recommendation
Infants from 4 months of age, shake well and spray into the mouth once a day.
Store
Protect from the sun, store in a cool and dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
