B12 is an essential vitamin, although required in very small amounts. It helps in keeping the nerves and blood cells healthy. This vitamin is ample in animal products like meat, eggs and dairy products. But those who rely only on a vegetarian or vegan diet can face challenges in getting adequate amounts of this vitamin. Hence, it becomes necessary to search for vitamin B12 fortified food or supplements.
Importance of Vitamin B12
The daily recommendation of vitamin B12 varies from country to country. However, a minimum of about 3 micrograms per day is necessary to meet the body requirement. The deficiency of this vitamin can cause anaemia and nervous breakdown. Adults suffer from confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, blurred vision, numbness, personality disorders, and lethargy. These symptoms appear gradually over several months to years. Infants can be quick in showing the symptoms. If not attended early, the infants can reach a stage of coma and even death.
Vegan Vitamin B12
So, the importance of B12 is huge, although needed in extremely small quantities. The problem is not that severe for people who consume animal products as they tend to consume enough for the body to absorb the required amounts of the vitamin. It is with the vegetarians that this problem stands out. Studies have proven that food sources like spirulina, dried nori, barley grass, and seaweeds that claim to provide adequate Vitamin B12 to vegans are inadequate. In fact, research suggests that raw food items provide very little protection to the vegans in this matter as the amounts measured in them are not enough as reliable sources of B12. So what should the vegetarians do? Here comes the role of fortified food and supplements.
Vitamin B12 fortified food
A few food items like plant milk (soy, almond, oats, cashew and coconut), breakfast cereals, tofu, fruit juices, margarine and spreads are said to be fortified with the vitamin. Although they might help with vitamin deficiencies, most of these packed food items might come with many health concerns like added sugars and fats, which many might want to avoid. So the safest option for adding the necessary amounts of B12 could be the supplements.
Vegan Vitamin B12 supplements
Taking a 10 microgram or more of B12 supplement is said to be equivalent to consuming 3 micrograms of the vitamin daily. It is the most economical methods of taking in Vitamin B12. Supplements of all sorts are available in the market to help vegan citizens. They promise to use 100% natural plant-based products so that they can use them without worrying. One such revolutionary product is the “melts into vegan Vitamin B12” supplements. These vitamin B12 melts are formulated with:
- A bioactive form of B12 called methylcobalamin, which is said to be 99% pure. It helps in supporting a healthy nervous system and boosting metabolism to provide energy.
- Folate, which is the most biologically active form of Vitamin B9, helps in healthy red blood cell formation and cell growth. It helps in producing DNA and RNA and prevents anaemia.
- Bacopa monieri
- bio-actives compiled as BacoMind, which is a clinically tested and patented memory and cognition-enhancing formula. This scientifically developed phytochemical composition with 9 bio-actives help in improving and maintaining memory.
- Curcumin- Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this potent antioxidant provides support to cardiovascular problems at cellular levels.
These vegan melts are available as tasty strips that melt into the mouth. Formulated with the latest nano-technology, the vegan vitamin B12 melts get absorbed readily into the bloodstream before reaching the stomach. As a result, the acids have no role to play, and the vitamin melts give instant results.
Vitamin B12 gummies are said to boost immunity. The gummies use 100% plant-based products and are available in tasty flavours to attract children who might suffer from a vitamin deficiency. Adults can also use them. Other forms of supplements are also available, mostly in the form of capsules and tablets. A vitamin B12 tablet is advised to be chewed or dissolved in the mouth for necessary absorption.
Vegans who use adequate amounts of fortified food and supplements need not worry about their daily Vitamin B12 doses. The Institute of Medicine, US, has stated that since only 10% to 30 % of older people (older than 50 years) are unable to absorb B12 naturally, it is advisable to depend on B12 supplements to meet their RDA. So consult your doctor and start taking your daily dose of vegan B12 supplements.
