

Vitamin B12 — also known as cobalamin — is crucial for nerve tissue health, brain function and the production of red blood cells. Unlike other, more straightforward vitamins, there are a whopping eight different B vitamins:
Last but not least, there's a group of compounds called cobalamins, which are collectively vitamin B12.
The bad news is that vitamin B12 — and the rest of the B vitamins — can't be stored by your body, which is why it's so important to stay on top of your vitamin B consumption. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, which is one of the many reasons that B12 is considered an essential vitamin. Let's take a look at some of the other major reasons that vitamin B12 is an essential part of healthy body function and how you can source it.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the following groups are among those most likely to be vitamin B12 deficient:
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in many of your body's major functions. Since your body doesn't make vitamin B12 on its own, it's important that you source it from animal-based foods or alternative supplements. If you are concerned about having a vitamin B12 deficiency, it's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Make an appointment through El Camino Health today.
This article first appeared in the April 2022 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
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