Why is vitamin B12 so important?
What Is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin which plays an important role in the functioning of the brain and nervous system, and in the formation of the red blood cells. It is naturally present in some foods. The human body is able to store enough B12 to last several years, hence a nutritional deficiency is very rare.
Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?
We need vitamin B12 for several vital body functions. It is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body. The vitamin B12 combines with the folate in the formation of DNA, the genetic material in all cells. It is not only needed for the synthesis and regulation of the fatty acids, its needed for energy production also. B12 helps in maintaining the health of the nerve cell and the nervous system. The vitamin B12 is also needed for the synthesis of the red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
Since the vitamin B12 is involved in vital body functions, its deficiency could cause irreversible and severe damage. The brain and nervous system are very vulnerable to even deficiency of small amounts, with symptoms like fatigue, depression and poor memory. B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease which destroys the parietal cells in the stomach that release the intrinsic factor, or IF. Lack of the IF can result in the inability to absorb B12 from the intestinal tract, causing further deficiency. Deficiency of B12 or folate can lead to megaloblastic anemia, or the poor synthesis of DNA. Along with folate and B6, B12 helps in homocysteine metabolism which can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone with imbalanced food intake is at risk. Those who suffer from pernicious anemia, post surgical malabsorption or dietary deficiency are at greater risk. Elderly patients and pregnant and lactating mothers who follow vegetarian diets need to supplement their diets with either supplements or B12 rich diets. Most of the symptoms may occur without anemia, so an early detection of the deficiency can help restrict the irreparable damage it could otherwise cause. The human body needs 2 to 3 micrograms per day for an adult. If taken within dietary allowances, it is safe for use daily.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer
- 1 (18 ounce) bottle your favourite barbecue sauce
- 8 hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker; pour the root beer over the meat.
- Cover and cook on low until well cooked and the pork shreds easily, 6 to 7 hours. (Note: the actual length of time may vary according to individual slow cooker.)
- Drain well.
- Stir in barbecue sauce.
- Serve over hamburger buns.
Serves: 8
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Preparation:
Lunge forward with knee on padded mat. Position foot beyond forward knee. Place hands on knee.
Execution:
Straighten hip of rear leg by pushing hips forward. Hold stretch 30-60 seconds. Repeat with opposite side.
Important note:
Keep back as flat as possible, do not twist at the hip
