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The B vitamins are collectively referred to as the nerve vitamins because of their
important role in our nervous system and brain health. Vitamin B12 contains
cobalt, an essential trace element. This vitamin helps to keep our minds sharp
as we age. Along with Vitamin B6, B12 assists in the production of the moodlifting neurotransmitter serotonin, thus helping to alleviate depression. And B12
helps to prevent ischemic strokes, Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive
decline, and age-related macular degeneration by lowering the homocysteine
levels in the blood. (Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced by the
body, usually as a byproduct of consuming meat. High blood levels of
homocysteine are linked to cardiovascular problems like stroke.)
Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that is not independently manufactured in animals
or plants; it grows on certain bacteria and algae. While a carcass abounds with
bacteria, interestingly the majority of people with B12 deficiency are meat-eaters.
This may be because of the higher protein intake—the higher the protein intake,
the more Vitamin B12 is needed.
Our bodies can store a thousand times our daily need of Vitamin B12. However,
our body stores of B12 can be gradually depleted.
Registered dieticians and nutritionists typically recommend that vegetarians and
especially vegans take a Vitamin B12 supplement to ensure against a deficiency.
But one might well wonder how God’s recommended diet for mankind could be
lacking in this vital nutrient? Interestingly, perhaps it isn’t: recent research shows
that tiny amounts of Vitamin B12 grow on our tongues overnight while we sleep.
This indicates that we should first reach for a glass of water rather than our
toothbrush upon arising! Additionally, tiny amounts of B12 are produced in our
small intestines—but only when we are in the habit of spacing our meals a full
five hours apart, and thereby allowing the growth of friendly intestinal flora.
Sandi Stadler
1/15/11