It is a sad fact that a majority of Americans are lacking optimum nutrition mainly because they are not receiving quite enough vitamin B12. This vitamin exists in many different forms and it contains a mineral compound known as Cobalt. Compounds with vitamin B12 are called Cobalamins. This vitamin is water-soluble and found naturally in some foods, and is readily accessible in the form of a dietary supplement or prescription medication. B12 is needed for optimum nutrition and to allow proper red blood cell formations, and for normal neurological functions, along with DNA synthesis. It functions as a cofactor for methionine synthase. This vitamin is also vital for allowing other chemicals found in the body to be allowed to donate methyl for different kinds of substances such as RNA, DNA, proteins, lipids and hormones.

It is also known for helping to facilitate essential biochemical reactions in fat and protein metabolism. Vitamin B12 can easily be found binding to protein in food, and it is only released when there is activity with hydrochloric acid or gastric protease found in the stomach. It is possible to find the synthetic form of this vitamin also in certain fortified foods and within dietary supplements in its free form and so it can absorbed much easier than going through the above process in the stomach. This free form of vitamin B12 then combines with a glycoprotein that is secreted by parietal cells located in the stomach, where it then undergoes absorption into the body.

An auto immune disease that goes by the name pernicious anemia if not taken care of causes vitamin B12 deficiency, and megaloblastic anemia and also neurological disorders. For optimum nutrition levels, 170-250 pg. /mL are needed of B12 for adults, anything lower than this is considered having B12 deficiency. To receive optimum nutrition levels of this vitamin by eating foods that contain it such as milk products, milk, poultry, eggs, meat, and also fish. Vegetarians eat a lot of plant foods and won’t be getting much of this vitamin eating stuff like fortified breakfast cereals which have an easily accessible source to B12. Experiencing fatigue constipation weakness weight loss and loss of appetite can all be some troubling signs of B12 deficiency. The 2005 dietary expectations for Americans recommend getting nutrients mainly from the consuming of foods