Where Does B12 Come From?

• A surge of public interest in the fields of holistic health and natural remedies has resulted in a fresh glance at the same old vitamins we've always heard about. Most people have undoubtedly heard of vitamin B12, but few actually know what it is, or more importantly, what it does for our bodies. However, even a moderate understanding of its effects---and the implications of vitamin B12 deficiency---can empower the individual in managing health naturally for years and years.
  
  According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in most animal products, such as fish, meat, eggs and even dairy products. In addition, many food companies routinely fortify their breakfast cereals and other common grocery items with the vitamin. You can therefore get the appropriate levels of B12 fairly easily. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, "a day's supply of vitamin B12 can be obtained by eating 1 chicken breast plus 1 hard-boiled egg plus 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt, or 1 cup milk plus 1 cup raisin bran." For most people, these foods fall well within the bounds of a normal diet. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic points out, "the human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B12, so nutritional deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare."
  
  

How Can I Know if I Get Enough B12?

• Due to the ready availability of B12, combined with the rarity of B12 deficiencies, many cases actually go unnoticed. Labtestsonline.org, in listing the many symptoms of B12 deficiency (fatigue, dementia, weight loss and constipation, to name a few) describes the symptoms as generally "subtle and nonspecific." As a result, sufferers often ignore the symptoms or ascribe them to other causes.
  
  However, certain groups carry a higher risk than others for B12 deficiency. Labtestsonline.org includes celiac---an intolerance to wheat products and gluten---as well as alcoholism, liver disease and kidney disease as potential harbingers of B12 deficiencies. Beyond those with specific conditions, other at-risk individuals include the elderly, vegetarians and infants with vegetarian mothers.
  
  

What Can I Do to Make Sure I'm Getting Enough B12?

• A routine complete blood count (CBC) test will generally detect vitamin B12 deficiencies, Labtestsonline.org says. Despite the vast availability of vitamin B12 supplements, though, FamilyDoctor.org points out that, once deficient, these over-the-counter supplements alone cannot replenish the body's stores. Instead, purchase special B12 supplements, or more concentrated injections; before taking them, discuss these supplements with your health-care provider.
  
  Knowing your body's essential needs makes up an important part of the broad spectrum of holistic health. Vitamin B12 plays an important part in overall health and well-being; knowledge of how it affects your body combined with an open dialogue with your health-care provider will ensure you get the full benefits of this helpful vitamin.