Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the proper functioning of the body. Since the body cannot produce it on its own, it must be obtained through diet, mainly from animal-based foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by several factors:
• Inadequate diet, especially in vegans or vegetarians.
• Intestinal absorption problems, such as in inflammatory bowel diseases
• Pernicious anaemia, caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of B12.
• Prolonged use of certain medications that can reduce its absorption.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of deficiency may appear gradually and include:
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Paleness
• Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
• Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• Mood disorders
WHICH FORM TO CHOOSE AND HOW TO SUPPLEMENT
It is important to choose a Vitamin B12 supplement in the form of methylcobalamin, one of the most active forms of Vitamin B12 present in the body. It is biologically active, so it does not need to be converted in the body to perform its function. Thanks to its high bioavailability, it is immediately used as a cofactor in all the reactions in which it is involved, acting on the nervous system, psychological function and fatigue.
It can also be taken sublingually, i.e. by placing the tablet under the tongue or between the gums and cheeks. This ensures rapid absorption, as the active ingredient enters the bloodstream directly without passing through the intestine.
PUBMED: [Healing with vitamins]
PUBMED: [Evaluation of the stability of methylcobalamine in gastric and intestinal juice]
