Could You Be Deficient In B12? Know Everything About Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is one of the most important vitamins in the body.
It's involved in cell production and DNA synthesis.
It also ensures that the nervous system is functioning normally.
Vitamin B12 deficiency Deficiency of the vitamin is brought about by a number of factors such as: atropic gastritis, pernicious anemia (which makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamin B12), removal of a part of the stomach or small intestine, heavy drinking, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, and any other condition that affects the small intestine.
Long term use of acid reducing drugs, immune disorders, and heavy drinking have also been shown to cause the condition.
Of all people, vegetarians have been found to be the most prone to developing the condition.
This is because they don't eat animal products such as milk, cheese, eggs, and meat.
Babies born to vegetarian mothers have also been shown to be at high risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of the condition Vitamin B12 deficiency causes vitamin B12 anemia.
While mild deficiency causes only mild symptoms, the symptoms may become worse if left untreated and result to: weakness, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, sore tongue, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, easy bruising and weight loss.
Children with the condition often don't grow to their maximum potential and are less active.
Treatment of the condition Treatment of the condition depends on the cause: If it's caused by pernicious anemia or a problem with absorption, you need to replace vitamin B12 by prescription or injection.
If the condition is brought about as a result of not eating animal products, you may be required to change your diet or take supplements.
Preventing deficiency problems The best thing about the condition is that it can be prevented.
One of the best ways of preventing the condition is by eating enough meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and seafood.
If you don't take animal product or you have a condition that limits your ability of absorbing nutrients, you should take supplements containing multivitamins.
It's also wise to eat breakfast cereal fortified with vitamin B12.
If you are in a family where one of your family members has the condition, you should consider going for a physical check-up to ascertain whether you are suffering from the condition yourself.
Conclusion This is what you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency.
When buying the supplements you should ensure that you buy them from high quality stores.
It's involved in cell production and DNA synthesis.
It also ensures that the nervous system is functioning normally.
Vitamin B12 deficiency Deficiency of the vitamin is brought about by a number of factors such as: atropic gastritis, pernicious anemia (which makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamin B12), removal of a part of the stomach or small intestine, heavy drinking, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, and any other condition that affects the small intestine.
Long term use of acid reducing drugs, immune disorders, and heavy drinking have also been shown to cause the condition.
Of all people, vegetarians have been found to be the most prone to developing the condition.
This is because they don't eat animal products such as milk, cheese, eggs, and meat.
Babies born to vegetarian mothers have also been shown to be at high risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of the condition Vitamin B12 deficiency causes vitamin B12 anemia.
While mild deficiency causes only mild symptoms, the symptoms may become worse if left untreated and result to: weakness, tiredness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, sore tongue, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, easy bruising and weight loss.
Children with the condition often don't grow to their maximum potential and are less active.
Treatment of the condition Treatment of the condition depends on the cause: If it's caused by pernicious anemia or a problem with absorption, you need to replace vitamin B12 by prescription or injection.
If the condition is brought about as a result of not eating animal products, you may be required to change your diet or take supplements.
Preventing deficiency problems The best thing about the condition is that it can be prevented.
One of the best ways of preventing the condition is by eating enough meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and seafood.
If you don't take animal product or you have a condition that limits your ability of absorbing nutrients, you should take supplements containing multivitamins.
It's also wise to eat breakfast cereal fortified with vitamin B12.
If you are in a family where one of your family members has the condition, you should consider going for a physical check-up to ascertain whether you are suffering from the condition yourself.
Conclusion This is what you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency.
When buying the supplements you should ensure that you buy them from high quality stores.