Vitamin B12 is a series of compounds that are essential for the production of DNA in cells and the production of red blood cells. It is also essential for the nervous system.
The body does not produce vitamin B12 on its own, so you should eat foods and drinks that contain it, for example animal products such as meat, milk and eggs and fortified foods (to which vitamins and nutrients are added) such as certain cereals, bread and nutritional yeast. Vitamin B12 does not appear in plant foods, but there are plant foods that have been fortified. Brewer’s yeast may also contain a small amount of vitamin B12.
What are the reasons for its lack?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of the vitamin it needs to function properly. The deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological problems if not treated. These symptoms can develop slowly and worsen over time. Some people may suffer from anemia which occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common phenomenon in the Western world in general and in Israel in particular.
causing shortages
People who do not eat enough foods that contain vitamin B12 naturally, or foods fortified with it, may suffer from a deficiency. However, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) is a common cause of deficiency that may be caused by a lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Also, people who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery, may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
The diagnosis is made through a simple blood test that measures the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. In addition to this test, the doctor may also recommend a blood count to determine the numbers of the various blood cells. If there is a concern about anemia, the doctor will also recommend tests of iron levels and folic acid levels in the blood.
In some cases where a deficiency is detected, and especially in cases where there is a fear of anemia, the doctor will recommend additional tests such as an MMA (methyl malonic acid) test, a test for the presence of antibodies to the intrinsic factor and other tests according to his discretion.
Vitamin deficiency can lead to severe damage to the nervous system, which can put a person at risk of death. Also, anemia can lead to permanent neurological damage that can end in death if left untreated.
How much vitamin B12 does the body need?
Adults need about 2.4 micrograms a day, while pregnant or breastfeeding women need more. The amount that children need varies according to age. It is best to consume it in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of water, because it is one of the vitamins that needs water to be absorbed. The normal values of vitamin B12 are between 180 and 712 picomoles per liter.