Did you know that vitamin B12 is one the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world! Being deficient in this vitamin can result in symptoms such as:

• Fatigue 
• Depression 
• Behavioural changes 
• Heart palpitations and shortness of breath 
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet 
• Weakness 
• Diarrhoea or constipation 
• Pale skin 
• Smooth tongue 
• Poor dental health 

As you can see vitamin B12 is needed by lots of different areas of our body, it even helps with the formation of red blood cells! Making sure you are getting enough of this vitamin can greatly improve overall health and wellbeing.

Vitamin B12 can improve and help you maintain energy levels. It’s needed to convert the carbohydrates we eat into glucose for our body to use as energy. It also plays a big role in our nerve health and it is needed for neurotransmitter signalling which helps our muscles contract. B12 when taken with folate (folic acid) can help regulate our nervous systems and reduce mood disorders such as anxiety, stress and depression.

Another very beneficial time to be taking B12 with folate is when you are pregnant. Vitamin B12 reactivates the folate (folic acid) and if levels of B12 are low the folate (folic acid) remains trapped in our cells and is unable to be used for cell devision, replication and reproduction. Not getting enough folate (folic acid) especially during the first trimester can results in neural tube defects. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on falling pregnant so they can recommend the right supplement for you to take.

Because of the role vitamin B12 plays in cell reproduction, it’s essential for our skin, nails and hair health too! It can even help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

If you think you might be deficient in vitamin B12 - speak to your doctor. Blood tests can be done to check levels of B12. Always speak to your doctor before starting with a new supplement.