Overview of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is required for neurological health, and also for healthy red blood cells. This vitamin is mainly found in animal products like meat, fish, eggs etc. So, people that do not consume meat are advised to get their dose of vitamin b12 from dietary supplements. Sometimes, foods such as soya milk are fortified with vitamin b12.

Vitamin B12 is not produced in the body. Hence, it is advised to take in through food. The brain and the nervous system need this vitamin to function efficiently, it is also required for the release of energy from the cells. Furthermore, it is required for the creation of new, healthy red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes

In older people, the capacity to absorb vitamin B12 gets lowered. It also occurs if you have undergone weight loss surgery or if you are drunk heavily. Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Atrophic gastritis in which the stomach lining gets thinned.
• Pernicious anaemia reduces the vitamin absorbing capacity of the body.
• Crohn’s diseases, parasites, celiac disease are other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Immune system disorders
• Medicines that inhibit the uptake of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

When the body does not receive enough vitamin B12, the implications can range from minor to potentially irreversible damage. Usual symptoms include:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Constipation
4. Anaemia
5. Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency causes brain and nerve damage
6. Dementia
7. Depression
8. Significantly increase the risk of psychosis

In conclusion, vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms can negatively affect the quality of life. Prolonged deficiency of this vitamin can even bring about diseases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that diets or supplements rich in vitamin B12 are consumed.

To know more about vitamin B12 deficiency and its symptoms, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.

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