Nutrient to Know: Vitamin B12 by Dana Angelo White in Nutrients
to Know, June 5, 2012 - Comments (1,103) There are a lot of
misconceptions about this vitamin. Get the facts about B-12.
What is it? Less commonly known as “cobalamin” this water-
soluble vitamin is almost always found in multi-vitamins and
B-complex supplements. Unlike most other water-soluble
vitaminss, B-12 requires stomach acid for absorption. It’s also
stored within the body for many years, unlike others like
riboflavin and thiamin that are quickly passed in the urine. Why
is it good for you? Your body needs B-12 to help form DNA, to
build your nervous system and keep red blood cells healthy.
Since the body likes to store B-12, large amounts of supplements
are often not necessary – there’s just one catch. B-12 is mostly
found in animal products, so folks that follow a long-term vegan
diet might need to consider a daily supplement. Since you need
stomach acid for absorption, your ability to break it down
decreases with age. Folks who take a lo