VITAMIN B12 RDA

Vitamin B12 is found almost predominately in animal foods such as kidney, meat, liver, shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs. The source of Vitamin B12 is bacteria found in nature. Bacteria is the only creature able to produce Vitamin B12. Bacteria produce Vitamin B12 in the colon of humans and animals.
However not much vitamin B12 is absorbed across the wall of the colon so therefore it is essential that humans get B12 from animal foods. This presents a serious problem for vegetarians and vegans alike as they avoid eating animal products where vitamin B12 is found. Eggs are not a good source of B12 for vegetarians as they contain substances that block absorption of B12. Milk is a good source of B12 for vegetarians. Most vegetarians and vegans are recommended to take routine vitamin b12 supplementation. Some people can go longer on a vegatarian diet than others before they develop b12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 is one of the very most important nutrients we get from animal foods.
Vitamin B12 is a compound that is red in color because of the presence of cobalt.
Absorption of Vitamin B12 is a complex process which can be problematic for many.
For it to be absorbed effectively, B12 attaches to a protein known as intrinsic factor which is secreted in the stomach. Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor and travels through to the small intestines.
Once in the bloodstream, B12 binds to transport proteins. Enzymes release B12 from the protein complex and convert it to two forms- methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Deficiency in the enzymes can stop this conversion. Because there are so many potential blocks in the absorption process many people develop Vitamin B12 deficiencies even though they get plenty of Vitamin B12 in their diet.

A vitamin b12 injection (cyanocobalamin) is a synthetic form of vitamin b12.  The primary reason for getting a b12 injection is to treat b12 deficiency.  For many years b12 injections have also been given for patients suffering from fatigue and low energy.  The most common dosage is a 1000 microgram (mcg) b12 injection once a week.  There are no upper limit dosages to vitamin b12 and there are no reported side effects to b12 overdose.

More than 70% of people over the age of 50 are thought to suffer from some form of vitamin b12 deficiency.  When this occurs your body is being deprived of an essential vitamin.  B12 is needed in order for your body to make red blood cells.  Therefore when your body does not have enough vitamin b12 it can lead to anemia. Red blood cells are critical as they carry oxygen through the body.  A person with vitamin b12 deficiency may feel very lethargic, weak, and tired.  There are different methods for a person to receive vitamin b12 such as through vitamin b12 injections or using vitamin b12 patch.  The b12 patch is very convenient for people rather than having to get monthly b12 shots all the time.  With the B12 patch they can avoid all the hassles associated with getting b12 shots.