Importance of B12 Vitamins

The Importance of B12 Vitamins

March 28, 2022

The Importance of B12 Vitamins: B12 is another B vitamin that is water-soluble.  Small traces of it are absorbed and stored in the liver, some utilized, and the rest is urinated out. It has an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health, DNA synthesis and assists in red blood cell growth.

Good sources of B12 are meats, eggs, fish, and dairy products. For vegetarians and vegans, fortified cereals and fortified nutritional yeast are great sources. When B12 is ingested in food, it pairs with the intrinsic factor site found in the stomach, then absorbed in the small intestines. 

At risk:

  • Older adults
  • Gastritis
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Celiac or Crohn’s disease
  • Vegetarians and vegans
  • Medications – (omeprazole and metformin are some examples)

Signs and symptoms of deficiencies:

  • Anemia (megaloblastic and pernicious)
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nerve pain/tingling
  • Balance issues
  • Confusion/poor memory
  • Mouth or tongue soreness
  • Fast/abnormal heart rate
  • Stomach and/or chest pain

The Importance of B12 Vitamins

As bariatric patients have the intrinsic factor cut away plus some surgeons require omeprazole to be taken every day for at least 6 months after surgery.  It is imperative to supplement with B12 sublingual (under the tongue) liquid or melt away table to maintain levels. Please allow the tablets to melt completely or let the liquid sit under the tongue for at least 20-30 seconds before you swallow it down for best absorption. B12 shots from your primary care are also an option. 

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder that affects gastrointestinal cells from absorbing.

Permanent nerve damage could result from B12 deficiency. This is the result of long-term B12 deficiency. Since you can store some B12, it can take a long time for the deficiency to show up.

Methylated B12 (Methylcobalamin):

This is the most active form of B12 and is found in foods like meats, fish, and dairy products. If you have a deficiency in B12, trouble absorbing, or are a vegetarian/vegan, you may want to choose methylated B12 or B complex as this form is more readily absorbed. Supplementing with nutritional yeasts and fortified products with B12 can also benefit those with low B12 intake/lab values.  

It also assists with converting homocysteine. Too much homocysteine in your body can cause metabolic syndrome which includes heart disease and insulin resistance.

Our program at My Bariatric Solutions in Texas recommends 1000 mcg of B12 taken daily, post-surgically in the form of a sublingual meltaway tablet or liquid.

Be sure to check with your aftercare program and follow vitamin and mineral instructions carefully.

Rebecca Luttrell is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at My Bariatric Solutions

Importance of B12 Vitamins
Rebecca Luttrell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Luttrell is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist from the north Fort Worth area. She became interested in bariatrics in doing intensive dietetic internship rotations. This exposed her to bariatrics both in the clinical and nutrition counseling settings. She joined the My Bariatric Solutions team in May 2017 and her favorite part of being there is appreciating and supporting the population of people they serve. Read more articles by Rebecca!