Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that the human body requires but cannot produce. It plays a vital role in human health and has a range of functions:
Key Functions of Vitamin B12:
- Supports Brain Health
- Strengthens the Nervous System
- Boosts the Immune System
- Contributes to DNA Synthesis
- Reduces the Risk of Depression
- Aids in Protein Synthesis
- Lowers the Risk of Macular Degeneration
- Beneficial for Digestive Health
- Protects Against Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases
- Promotes New Cell Formation and Slows Aging
- Strengthens the Central Nervous System and Repairs Nerve Cells
- Helps Prevent Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia
- Aids in Preventing Anemia
- Supports Bone Health and Prevents Osteoporosis
- Assists in Regulating Blood Pressure
- Effective in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
- Reduces the Risk of Stroke
- Nourishes Hair, Skin, and Nails
Because the human body has a limited capacity to store vitamin B12, regular intake is recommended to maintain optimal health and function.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of B12 Vitamin Deficiency?
B12, the most important vitamin for DNA metabolism, should be taken adequately. In cases where it is not taken, it may lead to risky diseases due to vitamin deficiency. To get B12 vitamin, foods rich in B12 vitamin should be consumed. These symptoms observed in individuals can sometimes be severe. B12 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Numbness in the hands
- Numbness in the arms
- Anemia
- Disruption of the nervous system
- Difficulty in walking
- Imbalance
- Palpitations
- Yellowing of the skin
- Pains
- Diarrhea
- Mental fatigue
Who Might Experience B12 Vitamin Deficiency?
B12 vitamin deficiency can occur in the following situations and individuals:
- Elderly adults
- Individuals with digestive system disorders such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries like bariatric or bowel resection surgery
- People following a vegan diet
- Those using medications for blood sugar control
- Individuals using proton pump inhibitors for chronic heartburn.
Which Foods Contain B12 Vitamin?
B12 vitamin is found in animal-based foods and is almost absent in plant-based foods. Therefore, it is essential to include the following foods in your daily diet regularly:
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Fish
- Liver
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Organ meats (such as kidney)
- Various seafood (shrimp, mussels)
- Cheese
What Is the Daily Requirement for B12 Vitamin?
B12 vitamin is crucial because it is not stored in the body and needs to be consumed daily. The recommended daily intake of B12 is 2.4 mcg (micrograms).
How Is B12 Vitamin Deficiency Treated?
A diagnosis of B12 deficiency is made through blood tests. If the blood test shows that the B12 vitamin level is below the reference range, it indicates a B12 deficiency. The underlying causes of B12 deficiency symptoms should be investigated, and treatment should be administered accordingly. Initially, a dietary program consisting of foods rich in B12 vitamin should be established.
If the B12 deficiency cannot be corrected through dietary changes, B12 vitamin supplements or B12 vitamin injections may be recommended under medical supervision. When taken at the prescribed dose, B12 vitamin levels can return to normal, effectively treating the symptoms of B12 deficiency.
