Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of our bodies. Both keen athletes and those who do not exercise regularly benefit from ensuring they get enough of it, as B12 is involved in energy production, the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. This vitamin is also indispensable during the menopause, as a deficiency in B12 is very common during this period.
Would you like to know how you can improve your absorption? At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a list of which of our supplements contain vitamin B12.
🔋 Energy and fatigue
Vitamin B12 helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency can lead to tiredness, listlessness and reduced energy levels. This is not only detrimental to sporting performance, but also to your daily activities and concentration. A deficiency is often accompanied by an iron deficiency, which will also cause you to feel tired and increases the risk of anaemia.
🧠 Nervous system and mental focus
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system. It supports brain function, concentration and memory. A deficiency can manifest as irritability, difficulty concentrating or reduced mental alertness.
🩸 Production of red blood cells
A sufficient amount of vitamin B12 is essential for healthy blood production. A deficiency can lead to anaemia, which can manifest itself in symptoms such as shortness of breath and a general feeling of weakness. Red blood cells are also very important for active athletes, as they affect the body’s oxygen capacity and the stamina that this influences.
🍽️ Nutrition and the risk of deficiency
Vitamin B12 is found naturally mainly in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. As a result, vegetarians, vegans and certain at-risk groups, such as the elderly, are at greater risk of a deficiency. In such cases, a supplement is recommended. People who exercise regularly also often benefit from additional supplementation.
Even if you eat enough foods containing vitamin B12, the cause can sometimes lie elsewhere. During the menopause, there is not only a change in the body’s hormone levels, but this also leads to changes in digestion, meaning that less vitamin B12 from food is absorbed by the body. That is why it is very important to take preventive measures and to address any deficiencies as soon as possible.
🔽Deficiencies can have serious consequences
A vitamin B12 deficiency can have quite serious consequences in the long term, particularly as the body needs this vitamin for the nervous system, blood production and brain function.
Think of anaemia, neurological damage (tingling, muscle weakness, etc.), memory problems, reduced concentration, extreme fatigue, and so on.
That is why it is important to monitor your vitamin levels by having a blood test carried out at least once a year by your GP or sports doctor. For those who engage in intensive exercise, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as those described above, more frequent monitoring is certainly advisable. In such cases, it is often a good idea to have your blood levels checked every six months or even every three months.
🏃 Benefits for athletes
For athletes, vitamin B12 is also indirectly important for performance and recovery. Adequate oxygen supply and energy production contribute to stamina and recovery after exercise.
Vitamin B12 supplements
Our range includes a number of products that help ensure an optimal intake of vitamin B12:
- Phar-Mi-Lan ijzersiroop + C + foliumzuur + B12 In addition to iron, it also contains vitamin B12, which helps produce red blood cells and maintain energy levels.
- X-Nutri B complex contains a combination of B vitamins, including vitamin B12, and supports energy levels, the nervous system and metabolism, amongst other things.
- X-Nutri Multivitamine + Q10 is a comprehensive multivitamin complex that contains coenzyme Q10 in addition to essential vitamins and minerals. It thus contributes to overall energy levels and daily vitality, including by supporting vitamin B12 intake. Q10 is also a supplement that supports heart health. The older you get, the less of this coenzyme the body is able to produce itself.
If you have any questions about these products, please feel free to visit one of our shops or give us a call.
When should you take vitamin B12 supplements?
In certain cases, supplementation may be beneficial, for example in the event of increased physical exertion, an unbalanced diet, a deficiency or an increased risk of deficiencies. A targeted supplement can then help to support energy levels and general health.
During the menopause, it is always advisable to take Vitamin B12 as a preventive measure. The supplements listed above can be used for this purpose. Would you like to know which supplements you can take together? You are welcome to book an appointment via our website for advice in our shops, or fill in our form for personalised advice.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a small but vital component of the body. Whether you’re a high-performance athlete or simply want to boost your daily energy levels, ensuring you get enough is essential for both physical and mental performance.