Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that helps in the formation of red blood cells and proper function of nervous system. B12 deficiency can cause numerous health problems, such as anemia and brain damage, so it should be treated properly. Consuming foods rich in B12 or taking B12 supplement can help you prevent deficiency problems as well as things like colors and mood for example.
B12 Importance
B12 vitamin and mood supplements are important for various body functions. It plays a vital role in cell metabolism. Combined with folic acid, it helps in DNA formation. B12 is essential for synthesizing and regulating fatty acids, which is crucial for producing energy. It is crucial for the growth and development of kids.
You can clearly understand B12 importance by getting to know the list of health complications created by the deficiency of this vitamin. B12 deficiency can cause depression, fatigue and poor memory. It is a major factor contributing to pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune disease that demolishes the parietal cells in the stomach. It can also lead to megaloblastic anemia. If left untreated, deficiency of this vitamin can cause severe and irreversible damages.
B12 Deficiency Causes
One of the major causes of B12 deficiency is pernicious anemia. While the deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, the condition can affect the release of intrinsic factor, which in turn affects your body’s ability to absorb B12 vitamin. Atrophic gastritis, Grave’s disease, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of acid reducing drugs, surgery in stomach area and diseases affecting small intestine like celiac disease, parasite, bacterial growth and Crohn’s diseases can contribute to B12 deficiency.
B12 Supplement to Treat Deficiency
B12 vitamin is important to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. It helps you to remain energetic all through the day. if you are deficient of this vitamin, you may have some symptoms like light headedness, tiredness, easy bruising, bleeding gums, sore tongue, rapid heartbeat, stomach upset and weight loss or diarrhea. If you fail to take steps to correct this problem, it can damage the nerve cells. The first step to treatment is to realize B12 importance and getting the help of your doctor to make diagnosis. Blood test and bone marrow biopsy may be taken by the doctor to confirm your condition.
The doctor may prescribe B12 supplement to rectify the deficiency. Supplementation is given either by injection or in the form of tablet. The doctor also recommends some dietary changes to help you get rid of the condition quickly. For many people, B12 supplement helps resolve anemic problem.
You can prevent B12 vitamin deficiency by taking meat, seafood, poultry, milk, eggs and cheese. If you are a vegetarian, you can consult with your doctor and start taking B12 supplements. You can also include cereals and soy milk fortified with this vitamin in your daily diet.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It also helps prevent or reduce the risk of dementia. It enhances energy and endurance. It helps improve anemic symptoms like fatigue and weakness.