Vitamin B12: Sources, Causes and Symptoms.

Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin that your body needs for many things, such as making blood cells, nerves, and DNA. However, some people may not get enough vitamin B12 from their food or may have problems in its proper absorption.

Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause fatigue, nervousness and dizziness. If not treated these symptoms early. In long-term people may experience loss of mobility, problems in walking, or memory loss.

What is vitamin B12 and why do you need it?

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that you can only get from food or supplements. Your body cannot make it by itself, you need to fulfill its requirements form outside means with the help of food or supplements. Vitamin B12 helps your body do many things, such as make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all over body, keeps your nerves healthy and uses protein, fats and carbohydrates for energy.

What are the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough vitamin B12 to perform its functions properly. This can happen for various reasons, such as:

• Some people follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, which does not include animal products like eggs, milk and milk products can be a bigger reason for vitamin B12 deficiency.
• People who are older than 50, as your stomach acid production may decline with age, making it harder to absorb vitamin B12 from food we consume.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Pale or yellow skin and eyes.
• Sore or swollen tongue and mouth ulcers.
• Memory loss, confusion.
• Mood changes, such as depression.

How to know if you have enough vitamin B12?

Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their food, especially if they eat animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. However, some people may not get enough vitamin B12. The best way to know about vitamin B12 deficiency is to get a blood test from your doctor. It can help you know about its deficiency.

Some of the foods that have vitamin B12 are:

 

Animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy items. These foods have natural vitamin B12 that your body can easily absorb.

Foods, such as cereals, bread, plant-based milks. These foods have added vitamin B12 that can also help you meet your needs. Consume this on a daily basis can fulfil it’s deficiency.

Supplements, such as tablets, capsules. These products can provide extra vitamin B12 if you are not getting enough from your food or if you have a problem that prevents you from absorbing it. Consult your doctor if you want to take vitamin B12 supplements.

Frequently asked questions-

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Why is Vitamin B12 important?

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy nerve cells, aiding in the production of DNA and RNA, supporting energy metabolism, and preventing a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.

What are the dietary sources of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some fortified foods, like breakfast cereals and plant-based milk alternatives, also contain Vitamin B12.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

Who is at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, older adults, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, and those who have undergone weight loss surgery are at a higher risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.