Deficiency of Vitamin B12

Nutrients play a very important part in our balanced diet for proper functioning of our brain and other parts of the body. Vitamin B12 is one such nutrient which is necessary to consume regularly. Vitamin B12 has different names such as Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B12, and cobalamin is one among 9 water soluble vitamins. Vitamin B12 helps in division of cells in human body that promotes blood formation which results in proper functioning of nervous system and brain.

How Vitamin B12 Works?

Vitamin B12 forms glucose out of carbohydrates which helps in fighting from fatigue and anxiety. It keeps our nervous system and brain healthy and helps in efficient functioning of the body. It prevents problems such as high blood pressure and protects from breast cancer, lungs cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. If not treated on time, deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to severe nerve damage which will affect complete human body.

Symptoms That Vitamin B12 Deficiency Carries

People at a risk of developing Vitamin B12 deficiency are aged people of the age 75 or above, new born babies, children, nursing women and also pregnant women. People with weak immune system experience problems such as fatigue, tiredness, weakness, feeling faint and dizziness, depression, changing moods and feeling loss of senses like touch and pain which can be signs of lacking Vitamin B12 in our body. Apart from these symptoms, problem in walking, vision, breathing, ringing in ears, sore tongue, mouth, ulcer in stomach, asthma and also skin yellowing are some more health problems which people suffering from the vitamin B12 deficiency experience in their body.

How To Cure And Prevent Deficiency Of Vitamin B12

It is important to get Vitamin B12 in appropriate amount. Sources of Vitamin B12 are available easily near us. Cheese, poultry, fish, meat and dairy are good for Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 supplements and fortified foods are alternatives of meat, fish and poultry which provide our body the adequate Vitamin B12. These fortified foods such as fortified meat analogue, fortified soymilk, fortified Vitamin B12 energy bar are ideal for vegetarians. Fortified meat analogues are made out of soybean and wheat gluten. They are 100% vegetarian and supplements of Vitamin B12 for vegetarians do not contain any animal products.

Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 supplement comes in varied forms such as Vitamin B12 tablets, Vitamin B12 capsules etc. Some are injected directly inside the body and some are sublingual. Vitamin B12 is also included in Vitamin B supplements but for people who are deficit only in Vitamin B12, they should consume Vitamin B12 supplements only. Just like any other supplement, it should be stored in cool and dry place. Vitamin B12 capsules or any other supplements should not be over consumed because doing so can cause swelling, itchy skin and shock. Vitamin B12 supplements should only be taken after consulting your dietician or doctor.

The Last Word

Lack of Vitamin B12 is rare deficiency because human body requires very less amount Vitamin B12 for efficient functioning of human body. Even though it is easily stored in the liver which will provide enough of Vitamin B12 for couple of years, we must not ignore the problems which lack of Vitamin B12 can cause. It is necessary to consume Vitamin B12 but over consumption can also harm our body.