Vitamin B12, an important part of the B group of vitamins, is a water-soluble vitamin. Most vitamins that are water-soluble do not stay in our bodies. Instead of being stored in our bodies like fat-soluble vitamins, they leave our bodies when we urinate. Vitamin B12, however, does not leave our body like most other water-soluble vitamins. It stays in our body and can be stored in our liver for many years. This is why a Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare. Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin, a name it was given because it contains the metal cobalt. There are many vitamins, all which have their own purpose in our bodies. This is also the case with Vitamin B12, a member of the B vitamin complex family.
Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin for our overall good health. Many people don't fully understand its function and have popular misconceptions about this vitamin. The main purpose of Vitamin B12 is to maintain the proper functioning in our central nervous system and also our brain. It also helps form our red blood cells and our DNA, which is are the genetic cells in our body. Vitamin B12 is also needed to help the metabolizing of our fatty acids and turning them into energy production. The energy in our body comes from the burning of our stored fat. Although a lot of our fat is burned into energy through exercise and activities, Vitamin B12 helps the process.
Common Misconceptions About Vitamin B12
Where many of the misconceptions regarding this vitamin come from is centered on its ability to aid in the metabolic functioning and energy reproduction. Many people believe since this is the function of Vitamin B12 that if they increase their intake of the vitamin, it will help them burn fat faster, thus making them lose weight. Many think of Vitamin B12 as a miracle diet or fat burning pill. Its only purpose is in helping metabolic functioning, not helping us burn more fat than normal.
Sources of Vitamin B12
We do need Vitamin B12 for its help in keeping our nervous system and brain function normally. Although Vitamin B12 is available in supplement pills, it is seldom needed in that form as it's quite easy to get your required amount in foods you consume. Some of the major foods that contain Vitamin B12 are eggs, poultry, meat, shellfish, milk and milk products. The main sources are foods that come from meat. Once is in your body, it can be stored there for many years. Although Vitamin B12 deficiency is very rare, it may occur. Those that most commonly suffer from this deficiency are vegetarians who don't consume meat or the vegetables that may contain the vitamin. Other vitamins may be those with intestinal problems that prevent them from being able to absorb Vitamin B12.
