We all know that our bodies need sufficient energy to function well. Be it taking on a physically exhausting task, or being able to make important decisions at work – it requires some form of energy and capacity. But did you know? Vitamin B plays a big role in enabling that.
Vitamin B complex, as we know it, isn’t just one, but a family of eight essential vitamins that our bodies absolutely need. The B vitamins are directly linked to our energy levels, cell metabolism and brain function. Think about the potential damage caused, if one or all the B vitamins are not sufficiently consumed!
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is rather widespread in India, and the numbers are shocking! A research published by the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism stated that around 47% of the (non-diabetic) Indian population is deficient in Vitamin B-12 – that’s almost every other person you and I come across, daily! For people with diabetes its even higher.
Lacking this essential nutrient can lead to irritability, extreme fatigue, and a compromised immune system, to name a few things. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can give way to depression, memory loss, incontinence, and a lot more. Studies have also found a relationship between low vitamin B-12 levels and cognitive decline, as well as its influence over heart conditions. How do we avoid all this?
Not all types of vitamin B come from the same foods, or have the same function. Not all of the vitamin B consumed is absorbed because of the varying/limited intrinsic factor our stomach makes. So when it comes to having a balanced diet rich in vitamin B, not everyone can follow the same diet plan.
For instance – clams, beef, pork, fish, organ meats, etc. are rich in vitamin B-12. But a majority of the Indian population is vegetarian and would obviously not consume those. So these vitamin B rich foods are either not consumed or are not commonly available here. In short, most of us are able to have enough vitamin B12 through our normal diets. A simple vitamin B12 blood test would reveal this to most. So what’s the solution?
We as a family have decided to consistently eat healthy, and add daily supplementation to our diet. I recommend having a quality multivitamin or a vitamin B complex supplement along with a balanced diet. Over time, this simple habit enables sufficient levels of energy and overall health to enjoy life fully. And who wouldn’t want that?
