Vitamin B12: Essential for Good Health

Vitamin B-12 is an important nutrient which most people get adequate amounts of through their daily diet or with the supplementation of a multiple vitamin. Some people have a deficiency of B-12 and need to get additional B-12 prescribed by their doctor.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, normally taken in combination with a B complex or multiple vitamins. Sometimes B12 becomes especially deficient and needs to be taken separately as by mouth or via a vitamin B12 shot.

B12 is important to maintain healthy nerve cells, to make red blood cells and to make DNA. Vitamin B-12 is important in brain function and may be related to depression. People with a B-12 deficiency suffer from lack of energy and vitality.

Symptoms of -12 deficiency include anemia, weakness, fatigue, constipation, appetite loss and weight loss. Deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the feet and hands. Additional symptoms may include balance problems, depression dementia, confusion, memory problems and soreness of the mouth or tongue. In infancy the signs of deficiency include failure to thrive, delayed development, movement disorders and anemia.

A Vitamin B12 deficiency, and any B Vitamin deficiency, may be related to depression, Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, such as folate, play a role in producing brain chemicals that are important for regulating the mood and in other brain functions.

The symptoms of B-12 deficiency are general and can be attributed to other conditions. It is important to get a doctor's evaluation and diagnoses and to find the underlying cause. A blood test ordered by the doctor can measure the level of B-12 in the system.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, the human body stores several years' worth of vitamin B121, so nutritional deficiency is rare, however deficiency can result when people are unable to utilize the vitamin.

One of the causes of B12 deficiency is the inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestinal tract, caused by pernicious anemia. Other people at risk for B12 deficiency are strict vegetarians or vegans who do not get enough B12 in their diet. Elderly people, who may not absorb nutrients property, are also at risk for B12 deficiency.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) most people with a B-12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits proper absorption of the vitamin. An early sign of deficiency may be reduced cognition, association with mental function.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in foods that come from animals, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and milk products. Fortified breakfast cereals can be an important source of B-12 for vegetarians.

If the doctor finds a Vitamin B-12 deficiency, they may prescribe a series of B-12 shots, usually taken monthly, to boost the levels of the essential vitamin. If the deficiency is not as severe, the doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement.

Vitamin B-12 can be found in B complex vitamins, in multiple vitamins and in supplements with B-12 only.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition please consult a medical professional.

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