VITAMIN B12

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Do you feel tired often? Do you feel weak and lethargic? Do you suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers? Do you feel strange sensations in your hands and legs?

If your answer to the questions above is affirmative, then you are probably suffering from the deficiency of a vital vitamin – VITAMIN B₁₂.

Vitamin B₁₂ is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in certain foods of animal origin. It is required for the human body to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out certain essential functions in the body.

Like most vitamins, B₁₂ can’t be made by the body. It must be acquired from food or supplements.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin B₁₂:

Even though the requirements are minute (in micrograms), even mild deficiency can lead to functional distress and cause a series of symptoms in the human body.

During pregnancy, vitamin B₁₂ along with folic acid prevents certain birth defects in the baby like spina bifida and other central nervous system defects.

Therefore, the requirement is high during pregnancy and lactation.

What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency? 

Low levels of B₁₂ in the body over a long period of time can lead to megaloblastic anemia (low hemoglobin with abnormally large & immature RBCs).

Other common symptoms are:

1. Fatigue
2. Weakness
3. Loss of appetite
4. Weight irregularities (loss or gain)
5. Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet
6. Loss of memory
7. Soreness in mouth and tongue
8. Depression
9. Lack of sleep (Insomnia)

How do we get our daily dose of Vitamin B₁₂? What are the food sources of Vitamin B12?

Strict vegetarians and vegans are at a greater risk of developing a deficiency of this vitamin as natural food sources have very limited amounts of vitamin B₁₂.

Foods fortified with B₁₂ can be had to reduce the risk of meeting your B₁₂ needs.

If you are low in vitamin B₁₂, talk to your doctor about necessary supplements.

The supplements are available in 2 forms: tablets and injectables.

Depending upon your symptoms and levels of vitamin B_12, the doctor may prescribe either of the 2 forms.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor. The purpose of this article is for information disbursal only and is not constituted as medical advice or consultation. The author and the website are not responsible for any misuse or adverse effects based on the information provided in this article