Click to enlarge

Vitamin B12 is found in significant quantities only in animal foods. The richest sources are liver and kidney, eggs, fish and meat. Strict vegetarians and vegans are often told fermented foods and sea vegetables are high in B12, however there is evidence to show that the B12 in these foods is not suitable for the body’s requirements. Supplementation with Vitamin B12 is recommended for vegetarians, vegans and those with a high risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency mainly affects the nervous system with impaired nerve function causing numbness, pins and needles sensations, or a burning feeling. In the elderly, Vitamin B12 deficiency is common and may result in anaemia, diarrhoea and a smooth, beefy-red tongue. This occurs because the rapidly reproducing cells, which line the mouth and gut, depend on Vitamin B12 to replicate. Vitamin B12 is also involved in healthy sperm production and motility.

Vitamin B12 is unique in its absorption into the body. Absorption of nutrients generally occurs in the upper portion of the small intestine, except for B12, which is absorbed in the ileum, the last segment of the small intestine. Hence the importance of providing Vitamin B12 in a delayed release formula to enhance absorption of this vital nutrient.

Thompson’s delayed release Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is available in 50mcg potency to ensure an effective and highly absorbable form of B12