20 Feb Spotlight on FIT Ingredient: B12
What energizes you? B12. Literally.
Ever wondered how it is that we get though our work days, our work outs, day in and day out? Let me introduce you to Vitamin B12 – our biological battery aid! It is found in FITTEAM FIT and just one more reason why these amazing little sticks can help support your energy levels throughout the day!
What is it and what does it do? B12 Function
Ready for a science lesson? Vitamin B12 is known as our “energy” vitamindue to its major role in the biological production of energy. In the powerhouse of the cell – the mitochondria, we have an energy-producing factory with an assembly line called the Krebs, citric acid, or TCA cycle5which supplies the body with the majority of the energy that we need to get through our days. B12 not only aids in keeping this assembly line running, but it activates other vitamins in our body. B12 also has functions such as binding to toxic components in the body for excretion. B12 is also required for red blood cellproduction3, DNA synthesis4 and for an efficient nervous system5.
Where does it come from? B12 Sources
This metabolically important vitamin is notcreated in the body, therefore it must be found in our diet. B12 is concentrated in animal tissue2therefore it is only found naturally in animal products. Once we ingest an animal product and it enters our stomach, our stomach acid releases the B12 from the animal protein4which begins the process of B12 absorption. Once B12 is free, the intrinsic factor4created in our body will continue the absorption process further, allowing B12 to be shipped off to do its biological duties.
What if you don’t eat meat??B12 supplementation is important in vegetarian and vegan diets5so your B12 intake goals are met. Remember to discuss with your doctor if you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet and are concerned that you aren’t getting enough B12.
We just scratched the surface of the power of this amazing Vitamin, which as mentioned prior, can be found in FITTEAM FIT Sticks!
Maryann Walsh, MFN, RD
Registered Dietitian