Vitamin B12: Deficiency Symptoms and How to Overcome Them

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a type of water-soluble vitamin. This nutrient is needed for its function in improving the health of the nervous system, brain, erythropoiesis and producing hemoglobin. 

Vitamin B12 is water soluble and normally circulates in the bloodstream, it can be stored in the body for almost four years. Any excess amount in the body of vitamin B12 is excreted through urine and sweat.

Benefits of Vitamin B12

1. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in brain and nervous system function.
2. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and makes and regulates DNA.
3. Function in body cell metabolism, energy production and fat synthesis.

Diseases due to Vitamin B12/Cobalamin Deficiency

Low vitamin B12 intake causes megaloblastic anemia. This condition is characterized by abnormal production of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. 

Pernicious anemia causes insufficient absorption of vitamin B12. Causes severe, fatal damage to the nervous system including the brain, raising the risk of heart failure, memory loss, associated visual impairment and infertility.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12/Cobalamin Deficiency 

1. Fatigue

2. Loss of hunger

3. Weight loss

4. Confusion and memory-related disturbances

5. Poor reflexes

Since most sources of vitamin B12 come from animal products, people who adopt a vegetarian lifestyle are more likely to develop vitamin B-12 deficiency. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding can also make women deficient in vitamin B 12. Medical conditions that prevent the absorption of vitamin B 12 include gastritis and intestinal disease.

How to Overcome Vitamin B12 /Cobalamin

Deficiency Overcoming a deficiency or deficiency of vitamin B12 can use injections of hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin to restore levels in the body.

In addition, taking vitamin B12 supplements and including natural food sources in the daily diet prevents vitamin B12 deficiency in the body. 

Meat, salmon, cod, eggs, milk and dairy products, soy products, yeast extract and fortified cereals are some of the foods recommended to maintain healthy levels of vitamin B 12 in the body.

That's the article Vitamin B12: Deficiency Symptoms and How to Overcome It, hopefully it's useful.