Why is vitamin B12 so important?
Vitamin B12 contributes to the formation of red blood cells. In addition, vitamin B12, like folic acid, is involved in cell formation and controls growth processes in the body. Therefore, it is clear how important vitamin B12 is, especially during pregnancy, where a small body develops and grows
Good sources of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is only found in animal source foods, such as liver, meat, eggs, milk and cheese. Strict vegetarians (so-called vegans), who completely avoid animal source foods, may lack vitamin B12. Vegetarians who consume dairy products and eggs in sufficient quantities will usually not have any deficiencies.
Compared to other nutrients, vitamin B12 is quite resistant to outside influences and the body requires only tiny quantities – but those are essential.
Deficiency symptoms
In a laboratory, a deficiency is recognized by the presence of fewer (but larger) red blood cells in the blood. Furthermore, there are problems with the formation of new cells and neurological disorders. The first signs are general symptoms such as weakness, paleness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and fast tiring.
