Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps perform numerous biological functions in the body. It is found in trout, salmon, tuna, yoghurt, beef, soybeans, tofu, milk, cheese, egg, chicken, ham, cheeseburger, fruits and leafy green vegetables. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is needed for the calcium absorption and helps in the formation of red blood cells. It helps maintain a healthy nervous system and promotes growth in children. Moreover, it helps in the DNA synthesis and is required for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. High levels of homocysteine may lead to cardiovascular disease particularly atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

The deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12 include extreme fatigue, tiredness, irritability, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, slow learning, poor memory, depression, constipation, weight loss, poor appetite, anaemia, lack of balance, degeneration of spinal cord, stunted growth in children, soreness of the mouth, brain damage and neuritis.

Individuals with an inadequate vitamin B12 intake, older adults and alcoholics should consume a dietary supplement that makes use of vitamin B12 in its formulation. Lifeplan Vitamin B12 is a popular brand on the market that contains the essential vitamin B12. This product helps maintain a healthy nervous system and assists in the red blood cell formation. It contains no added sugar, lactose, starch, salt, synthetic flavours, chemical preservatives, artificial colours, live yeasts or animal derivatives. Lifeplan Vitamin B12 is derived from natural resources and is registered with the Vegan Society.

Coenzyme Q-10, also known as ubiquinol-10 or simply Co Q10, is a strong antioxidant that is manufactured by the human body. Studies show that B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) and vitamin C help convert the amino acid tyrosine to ubiquinol-10, which is stored in heart, kidneys and liver. Coenzyme Q-10 participates in numerous chemical reactions, providing energy to tissues and vital organs. It plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat and aids tissue repair in adults.

Co Q10 has been shown to boost the immune function and prevent the accumulation of fatty acids within the heart muscle. The increased levels of ubiquinol-10 in the body minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, angina, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, hypertension and mitral valve prolapse. Coenzyme Q-10 slows the breakdown of mitochondrial DNA, thus preventing the premature aging. It acts as a powerful antioxidant against free radicals, which damage tissues and interfere with the enzymatic reactions. Ubiquinol-10 helps keep other antioxidants in their active states and helps improve brain function.

The levels of Co Q10 deplete with the stress and growing age. If you are over the age of 35, then make sure that you regularly take a dietary supplement that contains coenzyme Q-10 in its formulation. HealthAid CoQ-10 120mg is a popular brand on the market that is specially formulated for rapid absorption and efficacy. CoQ-10 is utilised by mitochondria to help release energy from food. It makes a wonderful gift for those people who suffer from low energy levels due to cardiovascular disease, those who have hypertension or are diabetic, those who want to improve athletic performance, those who want an energy boost and those who lead busy stressful lives.

Although it is important to get a professional treatment consisting of medication therapy and psychological counselling in case of depression, yet there are certain things you can do to ease the symptoms of depression.

There is a connection between a healthy mind and food. A healthy and balanced diet makes an important part of an overall treatment plan. Make sure that you build your diet around plenty of legumes, green leafy vegetables, pulses, lean meats, fruits and whole grains to boost your emotional health. These foods contain vitamin B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids that are known to ease mood changes such as depression.

Make sure that you drink less caffeine to improve the symptoms of depression. Consuming too much coffee on a regular basis can make you anxious, nervous, moody, or jittery. So cutting back on coffee, soda, chocolate and tea can make an overall positive change in your mood. Another benefit of consuming less caffeine is that it helps you sleep better at night.

Avoid drugs and alcohol because they can slow or prevent recovery from anxiety and depression. Another disadvantage of alcohol consumption is that it can make your depression worse and interfere with the medicines you take for anxiety and depression.

In order to reduce the symptoms of depression, make sure that you take a dietary supplement which uses omega-3 fatty acids in its formulation. Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil High Strength Fish Oil is a popular brand on the market that uses omega-3 fish oil, vitamins D & E. It is a rich source of the valuable long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that are essential for mental health. Moreover, this supplement also promotes supple and flexible joints. Vitamins D and E promote healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.

Numerous researches have revealed that people who consume diets that are low in vitamin B1 or thiamine are more exposed to irritability, anxiety and depression than those who consume thiamine-rich diets. The rich sources of vitamin B1 include nuts, butter beans, soya products, wheat germ, yeast extract and brown rise.

Vitamin B12 deficiency may also lead to the depression and panic attacks. Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is found in foods of animal origin such as eggs, poultry, fish, lean meats and dairy products. Trace amounts of vitamin B12 are also synthesized in your stomach.

As the rich food sources of vitamin B12 are mainly comprised of animal products, vegetarians and vegans have an increased risk of cobalamin deficiency. Moreover, older people are more susceptible to the vitamin B12 deficiency than young adults. The reason is that the appetite of old people is suppressed and stomach glands are deteriorated due to their growing age.

It is important to realize that we should consume protein rich diets as well on a daily basis because protein helps absorb vitamin B12. For example, a protein known as

It also makes a good idea that you incorporate a supplement into your daily dietary routine, which contains sufficient amounts of vitamins B1 and B12. Seven Seas Vegan Multivitamins & Minerals makes a wonderful gift for vegetarians and vegans because it provides a comprehensive combination of vitamins and minerals. Not only it contains B complex vitamins especially thiamine and cobalamin, which work together to maintain a healthy nervous system, but it also contains vitamins C, D and E that help promote healthy bones and destroy free radicals within your body. Minerals include iron, zinc and calcium.