Vitamin B12 is considered as the most complex of all vitamins. It
is protein-bound, so sufficient levels of stomach acid are needed for
it to be released and absorbed by the body. Neither plants nor animals
are capable of producing it as only bacteria have the enzymes needed for
its synthesis. However, one may get it from animal-based foods because
of bacterial symbiosis. Yes, one may not find it from plant-based foods
unless they are fortified with it. As such, those who follow a vegan
diet are prone to developing deficiency of the vitamin. The importance
of having sufficient levels of it cannot be overstated as it is
essential for various functions in the body, and being deficient of it
has negative health implications.
Vitamin B12 is required for DNA synthesis, proper formation of red blood cells, and neurological function. Deficiency of it may lead to serious health problems such as anemia and permanent nerve damage. While one may easily get it from their diet, there are certain factors that affect their ability to absorb it. The most common of these factors is age. Individuals over the age of fifty are more likely to develop atrophic gastritis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining.
This results to the stomach's inability to produce sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid needed for the absorption of the vitamin. Another condition commonly associated with deficiency of the vitamin is pernicious anemia. An autoimmune disease, pernicious anemia impairs the body's ability to produce intrinsic factor, which is also required for the absorption of the vitamin. Individuals taking acid-reflux drugs are also at risk of developing deficiency of the vitamin.
The most common symptoms of this deficiency are fatigue, swollen tongue, tingling hands and feet, impaired memory, and mental confusion. These symptoms may be dismissed as symptoms of other conditions, though. Because of the health risk that comes with the deficiency, those who experience these symptoms should get a test that measures the levels of the vitamin in their body.
One may get Vitamin B12 from animal-based products such as beef, beef liver, clams, milk, and egg. Those who follow a vegan diet and those who cannot properly absorb the vitamin may get it through supplementation. When the vitamin is taken as a dietary supplement, it is generally in its free form, so they may be able to absorb it with less difficulty.
Vitamin B12 is required for DNA synthesis, proper formation of red blood cells, and neurological function. Deficiency of it may lead to serious health problems such as anemia and permanent nerve damage. While one may easily get it from their diet, there are certain factors that affect their ability to absorb it. The most common of these factors is age. Individuals over the age of fifty are more likely to develop atrophic gastritis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining.
This results to the stomach's inability to produce sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid needed for the absorption of the vitamin. Another condition commonly associated with deficiency of the vitamin is pernicious anemia. An autoimmune disease, pernicious anemia impairs the body's ability to produce intrinsic factor, which is also required for the absorption of the vitamin. Individuals taking acid-reflux drugs are also at risk of developing deficiency of the vitamin.
The most common symptoms of this deficiency are fatigue, swollen tongue, tingling hands and feet, impaired memory, and mental confusion. These symptoms may be dismissed as symptoms of other conditions, though. Because of the health risk that comes with the deficiency, those who experience these symptoms should get a test that measures the levels of the vitamin in their body.
One may get Vitamin B12 from animal-based products such as beef, beef liver, clams, milk, and egg. Those who follow a vegan diet and those who cannot properly absorb the vitamin may get it through supplementation. When the vitamin is taken as a dietary supplement, it is generally in its free form, so they may be able to absorb it with less difficulty.
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