Vitamin B12 And Heart Health

Expert advice in keeping your heart healthy, from diet and exercise to vitamins such as B12, is frequently mentioned in the media. And for good reason. The most vital human organ, your heart, filters and pumps blood to all areas of the body.

The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, for instance found a link between vitamin B-12 deficiency and elevated risk of stroke.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a leading cause of death. Smoking, excessive fat levels, high-cholesterol diets and lack of exercise are some contributing factors in heart disease. The American Heart Association showed in 2006 an estimated 81,100,000 Americans suffer from heart disease. That year, 5,800,000 suffered heart failure, with 832,272 of those cases resulting in death.

Vitamin B-12

B vitamins come in eight forms, called the B-complex. B-12 is an intricate vitamin because it's water-soluble, but also contains a metal ion called cobalt. Due to its genetic make-up, it's difficult for the body to absorb. Thus, doctors suggest finding tablets that can be taken sublingually, meaning they dissolve under the tongue.

B-12 Function

One role B-12 plays is lowering levels of homocysteine and folic acid, an amino acid naturally found in your blood. UMMC reports that high levels of homocysteine increase chances of coronary artery disease by 1.7 times. You are at 2.5 times the normal risk of stroke if you have high levels of the amino acid.

Recommended Daily Intake

Ensuring you get ample amounts of vitamin B-12 helps keep your heart healthy. The Oregon State University Medical Department recommends a daily intake of 4.5 micrograms, or mcg, in adult men and 3 mcg for adult women. As you age, your body needs more B-12. Anyone over the age of 50 should take in 400 mcg daily. It's similarly important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Sources of B-12

Meat and fish are primary sources of naturally occurring B-12. If you're a vegetarian, this can make it difficult to meet your daily value needs. The American Heart Association suggests eating cereal fortified with B-12. Soy products can contain high B-12 levels, as can supplements.