Vitamins and Minerals are essential for the body to perform in the right way. Thus, proper intake of these is required.

Sometimes what happens is that we take proper diet and supplements. We still suffer from the deficiency of vitamins and we often realize it very late. Vitamin B12 is important for DNA synthesis and the proper working of the central nervous system. Our body does not make Vitamin B12 and thus taking it from Animal-based food or supplement is important. The interesting fact about Vitamin B 12 is this it can be stored for a long time as soon it gets deficient the body starts disrupting it. The ability to absorb Vitamin B12 declines with the age. Thus, it is pertinent to start taking the proper dose of this vitamin at a young age. This vitamin is hard to digest also so you need to put effort into doing some exercise would be beneficial

What amount of Vitamin B-12 is required?

This amount of Vitamin B12 intake depends upon the age and health condition of a person. This also depends upon the eating habit of the person.

Infants of 6 months ( Infants require less amount of vitamin B12 as they are just born and vitamin B12 is not easy to absorb so they require very less amount): 0.4 mcg
Babies aged 7-12 months( Babies also nearly take the same amount as infants however the slight increase is preferred): 0.5 mcg
Children 1-3 years age( 1-3 years of age is a growing age when child start developing and thus vitamin intake is increased: 0.9mcg
Kids 4-8 age( vitamin intake is slightly increased): 1.2 mcg
Children 9-13 age ( this is the age when absorption of vitamin take place at full fledge so this time vitamin dose is increased): 1.8mcg
Teens 14-18:2.4 mcg ( there is a remarkable increase in the dose of vitamins and it is according to the body’s requirement)
Adults:2.6mcg ( nearly the same)

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency and its consequences?

When you are low on Vitamin B12 you will feel fatigued as it is responsible for the production of red blood cells and Red Blood Cells are directly related to oxygen level. When Red Blood Cells are decreased then there is an inadequate supply of oxygen in the body. Due to the lack of Red Blood Cells, you might develop anaemia or the Red Blood Cells grow in irregular shape or immature which is not good for health.
Pale or yellow skin is another symptom of deficiency of vitamin B12 as when Red Blood Cells decrease in your body you will suffer from anaemia and this can lead to a severe health condition like jaundice. Jaundice directly affects your liver.
Headache is also one of the most common symptoms of the deficiency of Vitamin B 12. Vitamin B 12 is responsible for the proper functioning of the central nervous system when it is deficient in the body then people suffer from headaches, migraine, and other problems.
Immune system disorder is also linked with it. You are more likely to develop immunity diseases such as lupus.

Note to make

You are more likely to suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency when your stomach lining is thinned or there is an infection in your small intestine because of bacterial or parasite growth.
Depression is also one of the symptoms of deficiency of this vitamin as B12 is responsible for the management of the central nervous system thus it affects mental health. It does not let the mind relax and headaches and strain make it even worse. So, Vitamin B12 is essential when it comes to the mental well-being of the person.
It has also been discovered that people suffering from this deficiency have lower concentration power because their mind is not settled it is always thinking about one thing or another.
Paresthesia which is like needles and burning pain in the hands and feet is because by a deficiency of blood. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 is responsible for this. It also happens when there is damage to the nerve cells. People with diabetes also suffer from this as this disease reduces the absorption capacity and Vitamin B 12 does not get absorbed.

What are the ideal food sources for Vitamin B12?

One can get Vitamin B12 from Animal foods naturally or you can get it from fortified dairy products such as meat, eggs, poultry, fish, etc.

Seafood is also a very good choice in case you want to fulfil the deficiency of this vitamin. There are fortified food items available that can make for deficiency of B12.

What would be the ideal treatment for Vitamin B12?

Prevention is better than cure it is a well-established principle. On the first go, you should look for preventing the deficiency of Vitamin B12 by eating an adequate amount of food enriched with Vitamin B12 such as poultry, meat, fish, etc. The first step is to test the deficiency of Vitamin B12 by checking the B 12 level, folate levels, CBC, and homocysteine levels test.

If you are diagnosed with low levels of Vitamin B 12 then you need to check for appropriate treatment. You need to see a doctor and take adequate medication. Sometimes doctors recommend injections in case someone is not able to absorb B-12. This is generally in the case of those people who have gone through surgeries or suffering from immune deficiency disorder. Doctors recommend supplements depending on the need of the individual.

Sometimes what happens is this you might see these symptoms but still, you are not suffering from a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Thus it is important to get the test done before predicting and starting with the treatment.

Vitamin B12 is indeed very important for the body as your body does not make it. And it becomes really important that you take the proper dose of this. The deficiency of Vitamin B 12 might lead to severe health consequences. If ignored for a long time so it is good in the first place to not avoid your health and prefer it over anything. In case you are taking the proper diet and dose. If but still suffer from the deficiency then it is recommended to see a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions? (FAQs)

What to do for Vitamin B12 when you are a pregnant or new mom?

When you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby you might get deficient in B12. Thus it is very important to consult a doctor on how to fulfil your Vitamin B 12 requirement. The lack of Vitamin B12 also causes developmental delays in the growth of the child. Hence, you cannot avoid it at any cost.

How to fulfil the need for Vitamin B12 in the case of vegans?

As we know Vitamin B 12 does not get produced in the body so animal food can help. But for vegans, it is not suitable. Fortified food is available in the market for vegans, which describes the amount of Vitamin B12. And you can get from it so it is for those individuals.