Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is critical nutrients that help body make healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B₁₂, also known as cobalamin is a micronutrient that is synthesized only by microorganisms. In chronic lack of Vitamin B12 the body can't make needed amount of red blood cells. The major signs of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency are megaloblastic anemia and neuropathy.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in people of all ages who consume a low intake of animal-source foods, including populations in developing countries. Strict vegetarians /vegans have a greater risk of developing vitamin B₁₂ deficiency relative to nonvegetarians.

Animal products like meat, poultry, seafood and dairy foods like milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese are the best sources of vitamin B12. The vegans are at risk for B12 deficiency since most vitamin B12 in the diet comes from animal products. Honey, vegetables, and fruits are not really sources of vitamin B12, which is why vegan diet does not contain enough vitamin B12. Therefore, vegan pregnant and nursing mothers or even strict vegetarians are recommended food fortified with B12 or B12 supplement.

Fatigue is the most common symptom for individuals with low levels of vitamin B12. A sign of B12 deficiency includes weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal bloating and gas, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, loss of balance, and a sore, red tongue. Most people with vitamin B12 deficiencies have a mild problem. However it can at times be serious when there is an extremely low level of Vitamin B12 in the body. Some of the serious consequences due to vitamin B12 deficiency are mental problems, confused thinking, memory loss, and dementia. Low levels of B12 can also cause nerve damage and weaken bones.

Vitamin B12 deficiencies occur when body does not get the right nutrients from our dietary intake. Sometimes B12 deficiency is caused by conditions other than diet; such as body inability to absorb B12 properly or when there is problem of the digestive system. Elderly individuals have more problems with malabsorption of B12 from food and malnutrition therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among the elderly. Crohn's and celiac disease, weight loss surgery, chronic alcoholism all interferes with the body’s ability to absorb enough of the nutrients needed. Drugs like antibiotics, antacids, diabetes and seizure medications can interfere with the body's ability to break down vitamin B12 from food.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over age 14 years need at least 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day while pregnant or breastfeeding women need slightly more. However, daily body loss of the vitamin is estimated to be between 2 and 5 µg/day. It has been reported that a daily vitamin B₁₂ intake of 6 µg appears to be sufficient to maintain a steady-state concentration of plasma vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin B₁₂ related metabolic markers.

A blood test at doctor’s office will help confirm vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be corrected by making adjustments in diet by taking B12-fortified foods or by taking a supplement. We can get plenty of Vitamin B12 by eating a well-balanced diet. Some people easily boost their low levels of B12 by simply changing their diet, eating more animal products, as vitamin B12 in our diets comes from animal products such as, seafood, yogurt, cheese, and eggs. However, in more serious cases of Vitamin B12 deficiency doctor’s care is needed. Many people may have a severe deficiency or have an underlying health condition that causes B12 to drop. Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated in several ways. If the symptoms are mild or moderate, an oral B12 supplement is started, which is taken once a day or a weekly vitamin B12 nasal spray is used. Serious B12 deficiencies may require B12 injections, which are administered occasionally.