Vitamin B12, Are You Getting Enough?

Are you feeling sluggish and having trouble focusing, especially at night? Are you experiencing low-efficient workouts which require you to rest for 10 minutes after every 5 minutes of exercise? Do you find it difficult to recall things that happened just a few minutes ago?  Do you find yourself in a bad mood, or stressed out over even minor issues? If any two of the above situations have been happening to you, it’s highly probable that your body is giving you  signs that you have a Vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in foods such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products, is an essential vitamin that protects our nervous system. Permanent deficiency in Vitamin B12 can result in blindness, deafness, dementia, fatigue, and tingling in the hands or feet. Often these symptoms develop gradually over several months to a year before being recognized. However, you don’t need to worry if you have been a typical meat eater for most of your life, your body should have stored enough B12 to prevent overt deficiency for a number of years.

Generally, Vitamin B12 can be found in all animal products, but there is also controversy over whether plant products can be a reliable source of B12 within the nutritionists’ community. The overwhelming mainstream consensus is that plant foods are not an abundant source of vitamin B12, and fortified foods or supplements are necessary for the optimal health of vegans, and even vegetarians in many cases. 

So, for vegans, how can you make sure that your body is getting enough Vitamin B12 and  truly nutritious and balanced meatless meal?

1. Eat fortified foods two or three times a day to get at least three micrograms (mcg or µg) of B12 a day or
2. Take one B12 supplement daily providing at least 10 micrograms or
3. Take a weekly B12 supplement providing at least 2000 micrograms. 

Most vegans consume enough B12 to avoid anemia and nervous system damage, but many do not get enough to minimize potential risk of heart disease or pregnancy complications. So, be alert when you plan out your new vegan diet. Just to let you know: Phix Energy drink is also an excellent source of Vitamin B12. Each Phix pack contains .0025 mg Vitamin B12. So when you pack up your healthy vegan lunch box, you should take Phix Energy into consideration as wellJ

In Good Health,

Your Friends at Phix