B-12 is necessary for many bodily functions, including nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
A person with vitamin B-12 levels that are outside of the normal range will need treatment. Low levels of the vitamin can result in neurological symptoms, fatigue, constipation, and weight loss. A high B-12 level may indicate liver disease, diabetes, or another condition.
Now, you can learn everything online, just Google, for example, b12 supplements and weight loss.
Suspected vitamin deficiency
Approximately 15 per cent of people in the United States suffer from vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to research. A deficiency is characterized by:
- confusion
- dementia
- depression
- difficulty maintaining balance
- fast heartbeat
- poor memory
- a sore mouth or tongue
The growth and development of infants may be affected by vitamin B-12 deficiency. In addition to developmental delays, infants with B-12 deficiency may have movement problems.
How much vitamin B12 do you consume? It’s important to consume enough of it to maintain good health.
Your body gets a lot of benefits from vitamin B12. The vitamin is necessary for the production of DNA and red blood cells, for example.
You must get vitamin B12 from animal-based foods or supplements since your body cannot make it. Regular intake is recommended.
The liver can store B12 for up to five years, but if your diet does not maintain the levels, you can become deficient.
How Much to Get?
You need to consider factors such as your age, your eating habits, your medical conditions, as well as what medications you are taking.
Micrograms (mcg) of calcium, measured in micrograms (mcg), are recommended for different ages:
- Infants up to age 6 months: 0.4 mcg
- Babies age 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
- Children age 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
- Kids age 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
- Children aged 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
- Adults: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding)
Are you getting enough vitamin b12?
Numbness
Do your hands, feet, or legs feel as if they are on pins and needles? An insufficient supply of B12 can damage the protective sheath covering your nerves. The vitamin may be harder to absorb if you have celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or other gut ailments. Heartburn medications can also adversely affect absorption.
You’re Colder Than Usual
If you do not have enough B12, you may not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body (anaemia). This can cause you to shiver and feel cold, especially in your hands and feet.
Brain Fog
Depression, confusion, memory problems, and dementia may occur because of a lack of B12. A lack of B12 can affect your balance, as well. Most supplements contain B12. Doctors recommend 2.4 micrograms of B12 per day for adults. You pass the rest through your pee if you take more than you need. Even so, high doses could cause some side effects, such as dizziness, headache, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.
Weakness
You may not have enough strength in your muscles. If you feel tired or lightheaded, you may not have enough strength in your muscles. The amount of B12 in your body can check by your doctor; however, not all of it will be usable. It’s important to watch for any symptoms — which can appear gradually or more rapidly — and to notify your doctor.
Smooth Tongue
Atrophic glossitis might be the diagnosis. You lose papillae, and tiny bumps on your tongue. Your tongue looks smooth and glossy. There are many reasons for this. Your tongue also may be sore if you don’t get enough vitamin B12 dosage or other nutrients.
Heart Palpitations
A racing heart or a skip in the beat occurs when this occurs. Your throat or neck might feel it.
Fish, chicken, and eggs are the best sources of vitamin B12. One of the best sources by far is something you might not find on your menu regularly: beef liver.
Reason for Shortage
-
Age
As you age, your body may not absorb B12 as well. Lack of B12 leads to anaemia, nerve damage, moodiness, and other serious problems. If your doctor recommends one, watch for any symptoms.
-
Weight Surgery
After gastric bypass surgery, food is bypassed by parts of your stomach and small intestine. Your body breaks down B12 there. If you need B12 supplements or shots, your doctor will monitor your levels.
-
Medications
Your B12 levels may fall or your body may have difficulty absorbing the vitamin if you take certain drugs. Among them:
- Infections are treated with chloramphenicol, an antibiotic
- Drugs such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) inhibit the proton pump
- Cimetidine (Tagamet) and famotidine (Pepcid) is use to treat peptic ulcers
- Metformin is used to treat diabetes.
All drugs and supplements you take should be disclosed to your doctor and pharmacist.
