In 2011 a large-scale Nation Nutrition Survey was conducted in Pakistan and it was found that 52.4% women have vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in pregnant women, people over the age of 50 and vegans.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body produce red blood cells and DNA. It also helps maintain healthy nerve and blood cells.
Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin are the metabolically active forms of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the gut and stored in the liver.
Functions of Vitamin B12 include
normal functioning of the brain and nervous system (mylination)
cognitive functioning (ability to think)
formation of red blood cell and prevent anemia.
helping create and regulate DNA
possibly preventing congenital abnormalities helping protect the eyes from macular degeneration.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve health.
Symptoms:
Common neurological symptoms include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet (paresthesia), muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, balance problems, difficulty walking, and cognitive impairment.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency:
• Poor diet:
Not consuming enough animal products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy) which are the primary sources of B12.
• Malabsorption issues:
Conditions like pernicious anemia, where the body cannot absorb B12 from the stomach due to a lack of intrinsic factor, can lead to deficiency.
Treatment:
• Vitamin B12 injections: For severe deficiency, injections of B12 are usually necessary to replenish the stores quickly.
• Oral supplements: In milder cases, oral B12 supplements may be sufficient.
• Diet: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) daily for men and women ages 14 and older.
Meat, fish , egg , milk , dry fruits, mushroom , spinach , apple.
Writer name : Aisha Asif