Vitamin B--12

Q. So what about B-12, do I need to supplement?

A. There are a number of raw fooders who do supplement B-12 and those that believe we can derive it from food sources and or that our body can produce it. Vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin with a key role in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is one of the eight B vitamins. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

Some symptoms of deficiency are numbness in extremities, poor digestion, seeing stars, and poor mental recall. The best way to tell your B-12 level is to go to a natural health practitioner and get tested, and then you will know for certain. And just because your levels are good now does not mean that they will be good down the road. It’s accepted that the body can store vitamin B-12 for a number of years so even if you test good now you may just be running on reserves and not taking in adequate amounts in your diet to sustain you down the road.

Adequate B-12 levels are responsible for a myriad of metabolic functions, and a lack of this vitamin can cause permanent neurological damage. This is nothing to fool around with. Pregnant or new mothers should check with a health care professional before supplementing with vitamin B-12.