Vitamin B12

 Vitamin B12: Health Benefits 

Vitamin B12 is important for the health of nervous system and red blood cells. It can be found in many animal products and fortified foods. In the US, about 6% Trusted Source of people under age 60 and 20% of people over 60 have a vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia and serious nervous system problems. If you need to consume more vitamin B12, you can get it from many animal products and fortified foods. In some cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe oral supplements or injections to help increase your vitamin B12 levels.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, but it’s not one your body can produce. Instead, it is found naturally in many animal products. Vitamin B12 is necessary for Trusted Source many processes in your body, which includes:-

maintaining your ability to think

regulating and creating DNA

producing energy

keeping your brain and nervous system healthy

Your liver stores extra vitamin B12Trusted Source for times when you consume less of it. But if those reserves run out, you may experience negative health effects. Low vitamin B12 levels may cause Trusted Source symptoms which includes:-

tingling in your hands and feet

difficulty in walking

confusion and memory loss

depression and irritability

problems with smell, taste or vision

heart palpitations

fatigue

headaches

pale skin

weight loss

glossitis (a painful, smooth, red tongue)

It’s important to treat low vitamin B12 levels to prevent anaemia. Vitamin B12 is associated with a particular type of anaemia known as mega loblastic anaemia. If you have anaemia due to a lack of vitamin B12, your red blood cells may be larger and more oval-shaped than usual. This irregular shape can prevent the red blood cells from moving from your bone marrow to your bloodstream at a typical rate.

For most adults, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) Trusted Source. However, the recommendation is slightly higher for people who are pregnant or nursing, at 2.6 mcg per day. And infants up to 6 months old need only 0.4 mcg daily.