Why it is important to know about Vitamin B12

What harm can a lack of vitamin B12 cause? Consider the following: Over the course of two months, a 62-year-old man experienced numbness and "pins and needles" sensations in his hands, difficulty walking, severe joint pain, turned yellow, and became increasingly short of breath. His bloodstream was deficient in vitamin B12.

Sometimes weakness is felt as soon as you wake up in the morning, it is because of vitamin B12? Almost everyone nowadays is shifting to a plant-based diet. Although it is healthy, there are a few drawbacks if you do not supplement for certain nutrients that are lacking in a plant-based diet. Vitamin B12 is one of these essential nutrients. A lack of vitamin B12 can have serious consequences for your health.

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Before we go further, let know

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for the whole body. It is a micronutrient which means the body requires it in small amounts. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that comes through bacteria. It occurs naturally in animal foods. Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells, the proper functioning of brain and nerve cells, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system.

It is also called as cobalamin. This means it can easily dissolve in water and travel into the bloodstream. The urine excretes any excess vitamin B12.

The body can store vitamin B12 for several years in the liver, so a deficiency of vitamin B12 is very rare. Vegetarians, on the other hand, may become deficient because plant foods lack vitamin B12. To avoid this, you should take vitamin B12 supplements.

Why Vitamin B12 is important?

Our body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells(RBCs), nerves, DNA, and carry out other functions. The average adult requires 2.4 micrograms per day. B12, like most vitamins, cannot be synthesized by the body. It must instead be obtained through food or supplements.

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And therein lies the issue: some people do not consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their requirements, while others cannot absorb enough no matter how much they consume. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, particularly among the elderly.

Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is important to various bodily processes including:

• Normal function of the brain and nervous system.
• Cognitive function (ability to think).
• Formation of red blood cells and anemia prevention.
• Help create and regulate DNA.
• Preventing congenital abnormalities.
• Protect the eyes from macular degeneration.
• Necessary for energy production.

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy blood. When the body does not have enough B12, it leads to decreased normal red blood cell production called anemia, which decreases oxygen delivery.

Vitamin B12 Symptoms

Having Deficiency or low B12 levels can lead to a number of symptoms, some of which are serious. It can result in severe, irreversible damage, especially to the nervous system and brain.

Symptoms that affect are:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Memory problem
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

Once the symptoms got worsen, they can lead to neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

Infants who have lack vitamin B12

• Unusual movements, such as face tremors
• Reflex problems
• Feeding difficulties
• Irritation
• Eventual growth problems if left untreated

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia. The most common symptoms of anemina that are :

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• A sore mouth or tongue
• Weight loss
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Diarrhea
• Menstrual problem

Foods to include in your diet if you have vitamin B12 deficiency

You should need to make changes to your diet. Boost your vitamin B12 level with these foods

Animal products contain vitamin B12 in varying amount. The following are the list of good sources:

• Liver
• Trout
• Salmon
• Egg
• Chicken
• Fishes
• Red Meat

Vegan Source

The food that are present in plant based or diary diets includes:

• Plant milk, such as soy, almond, oat, cashew, and coconut milk
• Cereals
• Margarine and spread
• Nutritional yeast
• Tofu
• Fruit juice
• Low fast yogurt
• Low fat milk

Conclusion

The cost of the Vitamin B12 Test in Delhi varies depending on where you live and which pathological lab you visit. However, it is quite reasonable and not at all exorbitant. Again, because the benefits outnumber the drawbacks, the costs are outweighed.

CNC Pathlab Vitamin B12 Test can be scheduled because we have a team of experienced health professionals who have access to cutting-edge technology. CNC Pathlab is your trustworthy medical laboratory, with a large customer base that values accurate test results. Get quick results at the best prices in the industry.