Avoiding B12 Deficiencies With Diet, Supplements
Lack of Vitamin B12 can Lead to Poor Health in Adults, Children
Nov 13, 2009
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that is needed in adequate amounts in the body because it plays a major role in making blood cells. Proper levels of Vitamin B12 are necessary in order to maintain a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin B12 can be consumed naturally through many of the foods eaten daily, or can be supplemented through vitamins, shots, or sublingually.
How to Absorb Vitamin B12 Naturally through Food
Liver and clams are extremely rich in Vitamin B12, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Meat, cheese, milk, eggs and shellfish are natural foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 as well and can aid in the proper consumption of B12 for those who have the ability to absorb it naturally.
Other foods that contain high levels of Vitamin B12 are trout, salmon, tuna, beef, yogurt, haddock, ham and chicken. Regular consumption of Vitamin B12-rich foods naturally help the body build better cognitive and nervous function reactions.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms
Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to lack the ability to absorb B12 naturally, can lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Other groups are at risk of a B12 deficiency, including strict vegetarians and the babies that vegetarians nurse.
Many symptoms of B12 deficiency can occur, including fatigue, constipation, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Depression, loss of balance, confusion, poor memory, and mouth or tongue soreness can also be signs of B12 deficiency, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Neurological symptoms may include hand and feet tingling.
Vitamin B12 Supplements and B12 Shots
B12 can be found in oral supplemental form through vitamins, although low amounts of the vitamin are actually absorbed this way. Sublingual tablets or lozenges are touted to provide a larger absorption of Vitamin B12, although there are few studies to support this evidence.
Vitamin B12 shots, given in the form of intramuscular injections, are available for those who have a severe Vitamin B12 deficiency, including those who suffer from pernicious anemia. B12 shots must be prescribed by a physician, as does an alternative form of B12 in gel form.
Many celebrities and occasional weight loss clinics claim Vitamin B12 shots have the ability to increase energy as well as aid in weight loss. Although many people feel this is true, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns that Vitamin B12 shots are only helpful for those who are suffering from deficiency.
Vitamin B12 in the Body
Vitamin B12 is necessary to aid in the proper functioning of the body, but warnings do exist with over-consumption. While supplements and intramuscular injections are available for those with deficiency, certain interactions can occur with other medications. These include, but are not limited to, Prilosec, Prevacid, Metformin, Tagamet, and Pepcid. Before supplementing with any vitamin, a physician should be consulted to avoid serious interactions and complications.
Sources:
WebMD
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