What you need to know about vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that participates in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, genetic material, the formation of red blood cells, converts food into energy, and directly affects the full functioning of the central nervous system. An insufficient amount of this nutrient leads to pernicious anemia, memory impairment, and the development of dementia, and an excess is a marker of cancer.

Why does a person need vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of the most important substances that participates in a number of chemical cycles and provides:

1. Synthesis of blood cells, such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets. Up to 1% of erythrocytes die every day, and their replenishment is directly affected by B12.
2. Strengthens bones, prevents the development of osteoporosis and fractures.
3. Preservation of the optic nerve, fights the symptoms of optic neuropathy and gradual vision loss.
4. Recovery from depression and constant fatigue.
5. Helps improve memory and thinking, especially during intensive learning.
6. Improving skin condition, reducing pigmentation, mouth ulcers, eczema, and acne.
7. Strengthens hair, prevents hair loss.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is not produced by the body, it comes from food. Its deficiency can occur due to problems with absorption, autoimmune diseases, surgery on the stomach or intestines, taking heartburn medications, not eating enough animal products. Also, 10-40% of elderly people suffer from B12 deficiency due to the lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

The main symptoms of insufficient amounts include:

1. Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness, drowsiness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat.
2. Numbness and tingling of the extremities, very rapid bruising.
3. Problem with maintaining balance.
4. Poor memory, clouded consciousness, dementia, frequent headaches.
5. Depression, nervous system disorders, irritability, hallucinations.
6. Anemia.
7. In infants, there is a stop in development.
8. Deterioration of vision, skin, hair and nails.
9. Frequent constipation, nausea, digestive disorders.

Vitamin B12 norms for humans

The dosage depends on many factors, such as age, concomitant diseases and deficiency of other trace elements. Before taking any drug, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination, because vitamin B9 can mask a deficiency of B12.

Usually, adults are prescribed up to 2.4 mcg per day orally, even if there are problems with absorption. For pregnant women, the dose is increased.

It is also important to consult a doctor about taking B12 if you have problems with heartburn, diabetes or stomach ulcers.

Which foods contain vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products, namely:

1. Red meat, beef liver.
2. Fish, shellfish, oysters.
3. Eggs.
4. Dairy products.
5. Nutritional yeast.

Who needs to take vitamin B12?

The required amount of nutrients should be taken:

1. People who have given up eating meat (vegans).
2. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: irritable bowel syndrome, low acidity, Crohn's disease.
3. When treating diabetes and taking certain medications.
4. HIV infected.
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Who should not take vitamin B12?

One of the properties of B12 is that it does not accumulate in the body, and is mostly excreted in the urine. If a surplus of this trace element is detected, this may be a sign of leukemia or cancer. The level of B12 does not increase due to excessive consumption, but only indicates existing problems in the body.

You should not use B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin if you have problems with:

1. Kidney failure.
2. Eye disease, optic nerve atrophy.
3. With stomach and is atrophic gastritis.

When treating certain diseases, you should consult a doctor, as B12 contains the mineral cobalt, which can lead to complications.