Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 supplements are quite popular for several different reasons.  A water soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in water, whatever amount of Vitamin B12 the body does not use it simply disposed of by excreting it through urination. The scientific or official name of Vitamin B12 is Cobalamin.

It is worth noting here that many water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the human body for future use, but this particular water soluble vitamin (B12) is actually an exception to this rule because the body can store it in the liver for long periods of time to be used as needed.

You can take over the counter Vitamin B12 supplements. Alternatively, some people opt to get Vitamin B12 shots at a doctor’s office. However, as is true of all vitamins and minerals, if you can get most of your supply from the foods you eat, this is ideal. Foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 include meat, shellfish, milk, eggs and poultry.

As you can see from looking at this list of foods rich in Vitamin B12, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, it can be a little more challenging to acquire all of the Vitamin B12 you need through eating alone. In these cases, supplementation may be an appropriate option, but if you have any concerns at all about how to get the proper amount of Vitamin B12 if you are vegetarian or vegan, you may want to discuss your options with your doctor and/or with a nutritionist who is knowledgeable and well versed in the area of vegetarian and/or vegan dieting.

Vitamin B12 (also known as Cobalamin) is widely known as the “energy” vitamin because many people experience a pleasant surge of energy when they take it. It plays a vital role in metabolism, which means that it can provide valuable support to individuals seeking to lose weight or maintain their weight following a period of substantial weight loss.

Some people also report that when they eat foods rich in Vitamin B12 or they take B12 supplements it also helps their mood, meaning that if they have a tendency to get anxious or depressed, Vitamin B12 helps them to fight their anxiety and/or depression and get into a happier, more tranquil frame of mind. Of course, before beginning any kind of supplementation program, it is always wise to talk to your doctor or other health care provider about all of the potential benefits and risks.