Vitamin B12, an essential micro-nutrient, is crucial for the proper formation of red blood cells and health of the nerve tissues. Vitamin B12 deficiency, if left untreated can result in anemia, irreversible nerve and brain damage (Deficiency of B12 reduces the production of certain neurotransmitters like monoamines which are important in the regulation of mood and other brain functions) and also manifests with slight mental irritability, dyslexia and depression (Deficiency of folate, another B vitamin together with B12 deficiency reduces the body’s capacity to process Amino acids thus increasing the homocysteine levels, which is associated with heart diseases, strokes, vascular diseases and depression). The deficiency tends to develop gradually sometimes over a period of several years. At first, signs and symptoms may be subtle, but as time goes by they become more noticeable.
Some of the key factors causing Vitamin B12 deficiency are;
Many micro-organisms present in human intestines are also capable of synthesizing vitamin B12. Hence, the use of antibiotics, antacids and acid inhibitor drugs shall be minimized to maximize the absorption of B12.
In case of severe deficiency of vitamin B12, the patients is administered several doses of vitamin B12 supplements or injections (For those who cannot absorb vitamin B12 directly, doctors recommend injections).
(This subject is extensively covered in "Detailed information on B12 deficiency")
Some of the key factors causing Vitamin B12 deficiency are;
Ø Excessive intake of fast foods and high-calorie drinks with corresponding reduction in dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin B12.
Ø Excessive intake of drugs (like antibiotics) destroys the organisms present in the intestines that are essential for synthesizing vitamin B12
Ø Consumption of antacids and other acid inhibitor drugs regularly to counter stress-related acidity reduces the stomach pH level, thereby affecting absorption of vitamin B12.
Ø Mal-absorption of vitamin B12 due to lack of intrinsic factor (synthesizing agent present in the stomach that aids absorption of vitamin B12) and presence of antibodies against these proteins.
Ø Low level of vitamin D coexists with calcium deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. Minimum exposure to sun light means low levels of Vitamin D and hence low levels of Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is absent in plants, but is predominantly present in non-vegetarian food or animal sources of food like milk and milk products (the concentration is not sufficient to meet the daily requirements), Meat (abundant in liver, kidney and other organs), fish and eggs. Many micro-organisms present in human intestines are also capable of synthesizing vitamin B12. Hence, the use of antibiotics, antacids and acid inhibitor drugs shall be minimized to maximize the absorption of B12.
In case of severe deficiency of vitamin B12, the patients is administered several doses of vitamin B12 supplements or injections (For those who cannot absorb vitamin B12 directly, doctors recommend injections).
(This subject is extensively covered in "Detailed information on B12 deficiency")
3 comments:
Do you agree, that most vegetarians are likely affected by this vitamin b12 deficiency? Because I read an article saying that this vitamin is not present in vegetables and mostly common found in animal sourced food.
Yes, you are right. Nevertheless, every type of food/ diet has it's own positives and negatives.
So, what should vegetarians do to resolve B12 deficiency issue? is taking pills or injection the only option?
Post a Comment