Tag: B12 deficiency

While a total B12 blood test measures all circulating B12, up to 80% of this may be inactive and unusable by the body. The key difference between B12 and active B12 is that only the active form is available for cellular use and metabolic function.

According to the National Institutes of Health, excessive daytime sleepiness affects a significant portion of the adult population. While often attributed to poor sleep hygiene or stress, persistent drowsiness can be a major sign of which vitamin deficiency causes drowsiness, and other crucial nutrient shortfalls.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 is not naturally found in most plant foods, making careful planning essential for non-dairy diets. Learning how to get B12 without dairy is crucial for vegans, vegetarians, and those with milk allergies to prevent deficiency and support vital body functions.

While a vitamin B12 deficiency is often associated with a loss of appetite, correcting this deficiency can, in some individuals, lead to a normalization or increase in hunger. This effect is not caused by the vitamin itself, but rather a reversal of deficiency symptoms.

It’s a little-known fact that your body doesn't produce vitamin B12 on its own. In reality, the essential nutrient that keeps your nerves and red blood cells healthy is made by certain bacteria and archaea, not by human cells.

According to a systematic review published in 2024, vegetarians and vegans are consistently at a higher risk of deficiency or inadequate intake of key nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, compared to omnivores. This raises the important question: what do vegetarians suffer from if they don't plan their diet carefully to compensate for missing animal-based nutrients?

Research indicates that what we eat significantly impacts our energy levels, with nutrient-dense foods providing a more stable and sustained release of energy throughout the day. The question of whether being vegetarian gives more energy is complex, depending heavily on the quality and planning of the diet itself.

Observational data suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency can directly lead to a loss of appetite in some individuals, challenging the simple assumption that B12 is an appetite stimulant. This article will delve into the complex relationship, explaining why some people might feel an increase in hunger after starting B12 supplements while others won't experience any change at all.

Studies have shown that over half of the adult population can be vitamin D deficient, a condition significantly associated with fatigue and reduced muscle strength, including weak grip strength. This reduction in manual strength often points to underlying nutritional issues that impact both muscle and nerve function.

While it's common knowledge that certain nutrient pairings can influence absorption, many are concerned about potential interactions between zinc and vitamin B12. Current scientific evidence suggests that zinc does not directly inhibit B12 absorption, and moderate supplementation appears safe for many individuals.