Tag: Vitamin reserves

Unlike most water-soluble vitamins that are quickly excreted, vitamin B12 is unique because the body maintains substantial, long-term reserves. This remarkable capability means the question of 'is vitamin B12 stored in our body?' is met with a definitive yes, though its storage location and mechanism are particularly distinct. These stored reserves can last for several years, making deficiency a slow-developing issue.

The human liver serves as a vital storage organ for key nutrients, including certain vitamins, with some reserves, particularly for vitamin B12, lasting for several years. This remarkable capability ensures the body has a steady supply of these essential compounds, buffering against variations in dietary intake.

Unlike other water-soluble vitamins, the human body can store vitamin B12 in the liver for a substantial period. These body stores of B12 can last for several years, typically ranging from two to five years in a healthy individual, which is why a deficiency can be slow to develop after a change in diet or absorption issues arise.