What is the difference between vitamin b12 and iron?

If you’re asking this question, chances are that you’re feeling a bit sluggish lately. You want to ramp up your intake of vitamins and minerals to make sure that you have enough energy for all the (mis)adventures coming your way. Two essential nutrients that come up often in such conversations are vitamin B12 and iron.

Whether it’s trying to escape a zombie apocalypse or just climbing up three flights of stairs, these two micronutrients serve different yet crucial roles in keeping us energized throughout our lives. Let’s explore the differences between them!

Getting ready to Rumble: The Basics

First off, let us get some clarity on what exactly these micronutrients do:

  • Vitamin B12: This nutrient helps produce red blood cells and DNA as well as supports healthy nerve function.
  • Iron: It plays an important role in making hemoglobin -the protein found in red blood cells- which carries oxygen from lungs to rest of the body.Our bodies also use iron for muscle growth, immune system regulation & metabolic processes.

Grab Your Spectroscope: Structure and Sources

To understand how each nutrient works within our body we need a magnifying glass (read microscope):

Vitamin B12

The structure involves a complex molecule containing 4 pyrrole rings with cobalt ion at its core which gives it characteristic odour.The human body cannot synthesize vitamin b12by themselves.Hence,it needs external sources.It is mainly derived from animal products like meat,fish,eggs,dairy(milk,yogurt etc.).Some vegan fortified cereals

Iron

A chemical element necessary for life,pinkish-grey metal; symbol Fe.When it comes into contact with air/exposure too much moisture,it rusts.Deficient levels can lead common ailments likes Anemia,Iron-dificient Anaemia ,etc.Although,get your hands on spinach,fish,beans,chocolate and other iron-containing foods to stay afloat.

Let’s Go deeper: Functions

Now we have an idea of how they appear,but let’s look at functions individually:

Vitamin B12

Brain Function:For starters,vitamin b12 is responsible in DNA synthesis which is used for brain cell formation leading to crystallized mind & better memory.

Nervous System Health:To further amplify,it aids in buildingfatty coatings known as myelin sheaths around nerve cells guaranteeing that messages run clear and make it from point A to point Z.Moreover,its presence ensures the creationof SAM-e(which helps balance hormones linked with mood regulation).

Supports production of Red Blood Cell:RBC transport oxygen from lungs throughout body. Therefore,deficiency can leadto a buildup called homocysteine ultimately resulting conditions like Anemia,muscle weakness etc.

Iron

Iron carries out difficult jobs within our bodies. It encompasses many tasks such as supporting the immune system by resisting infections,stabilizes temperature ,and supports muscle function. Some specific ways Iron does this include :

Energy Production :This micronutrient plays key rolein energy production breaking down proteins etc leading to vitality.Hence hemoglobin-structures relays oxygen moleculestogether so they are optimally transported throughoutthe body .

Muscles Support :
It storesoxygen in muscles for latter use during high-intensity exercise regimes as well.Additionally,it also assists enzymes metabolize carbohydrates (Burn Fat !)

With different yet equally necessary roles,the dynamic duo makes sure that your body stays healthy!

Diving Deeper – Deficiencies Analysis

No matter what the reason might be,a deficiency will leave you feeling tired or lightheaded.To bespecific,belowis what happens whenyou lack certain amountof them?

Vitamin B12

a.)Brain Fog:
Deficiency leads to Anxiety,Depression or Mood swings because of inability to produce the required brain cells.

b.)Pale Skin:
With RBCs not being produced efficiently , pale skin & exhaustion after engaging in light activities become common.

c) Neurological symptoms:
Tingling/ Numbness or even clumsiness may occur with weakening nervous system health.

Iron

a.) Stunted Muscle Growth : Its deficiency causes decreased muscle activity in particular regeneration post workout making you weaker than usual.

b.)Anemia: With reduced production of hemoglobin less oxygen will be transported throughout your body .As a result,you might feel dizzy/lightheaded.

Requirements

We all want optimal health and energy. Hence it is important we meet our recommended dosage for each vitamin.

Vitamin B12

The amount needed varies depending on age, gender, and pregnancy status. Adults are usually advised to consume 2-4 micrograms per day from animal sources like meat,fish,dairy products.Vegetarian? Vegans?
You can still easily fulfill requirements throughsupplementation.We recommend always talking to your physician before taking additional supplements

Iron

Iron requirements differ based on gender,age,pregnancy but generally men should get approx 8mg while women need24mg every day.Moreover vegetarians may have difficulties ingesting sufficient iron necessitating themto pay attentionon the types of food they eat.Research has shown that zinc containing foods,stressful lifestyles etc interfere iron absorption whichis why many prefertaking additional supplementations.But,sounds too drastic? Add plenty leafy veggies(spinach,kale),nuts&poultry into plate!

Conclusion: The Brotherly Duo

In conclusion,Vitamin B12& Iron might seem similar,but play different roles;each necessary bodily function requires one nutrient over another.Didn’t make sense? Think Simon&Garfunkel –where one plays guitar -while other humming melodies.Still,not satisfying your taste palettes?Always consultcertified individualcare providerbefore making any dietarychanges.Whether it is sharpening intellectual edge or physical fitness,is a combination of healthy lifestyle and micronutrient intake that keeps us energized!

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