Feeling Tired? Fatigued? The importance of B12 for menopause
If you’re feeling constantly tired and fatigued during menopause there’s a possibility that you’re suffering from a vitamin B12 deficiency. Studies show that our bodies become less able to absorb vitamin B12 as we get older.
So what is B12 and what it is useful for?
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in bone health, DNA production, neurological functions and in creating red blood cells which means that not having enough B12 can lead to anemia.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency according to the NHS include:
- extreme tiredness
- a lack of energy
- pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- a sore and red tongue
- mouth ulcers
- muscle weakness
- disturbed vision
- psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion
- problems with memory, understanding and judgement
According to a study Vitamin B12 also plays a key role in reducing levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.
What’s the solution?
A varied healthy diet is always the first step. Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products. Foods rich in B12 include eggs, milk, cheese, salmon, cod, clams, beef & liver.
The National Academy of Medicine recommends that all adults over the age of 50 meet their needs through fortified food and supplements due to increased risk of poor absorption with a decrease in stomach acid being a factor. According to an 8-week study supplementing with 500 micrograms of B12 a day found to normalise B12 levels in 90% of participants.
The ladies that take our supplement report an increase in energy making them better able to deal with the stressors of life. Compared to other products we’ve added more b12 at 500 micrograms in line with studies on over 50s. We often think that tiredness simply accompanies menopause when in fact it’s often a symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Feminapause xx
