Why is vitamin B-12 important?
Deficiency of this vitamin results in cognitive (thinking, memory) and other neurologic problems early on. Anemia often occurs later. Only 2.4 micrograms a day of vitamin B-12 is necessary for adults with normal digestive systems (slightly more for pregnant or lactating women). Modern hygienic methods of food production eliminate soil-derived bacteria that produce vitamin B-12, so, aside from animal products, fortified foods or supplements are the only reliable sources. Foods that are sometimes fortified to provide the Recommended Dietary Allowance include soy milk, cereals, and nutritional yeast. Otherwise, a supplement of 1,000 micrograms weekly should be sufficient. Although eggs contain some vitamin B-12, it may not be as well absorbed as that derived from other animal products, so ovovegetarians should supplement somewhat as well. Some people, especially the elderly (1 out of 8 persons over age 65), develop vitamin B-12 deficiency because of gastrointestinal absorption problems, a
