What Is Vitamin B12 And How Does It Help Us Prevent Anemia?
We can find vitamin B12 in poultry, seafood, dairy or eggs. By not consuming these products, vegetarians are more prone to anemia
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is part of one of the eight B vitamins that help the body convert the food you eat into glucose, in order to obtain energy.
Also, as the professionals at MedlinePlus point out, vitamin B12, like the other B vitamins, is important for protein metabolism. It helps the formation of red blood cells in the blood and the maintenance of the central nervous system.
In the case of vitamin B12 in particular, it should be noted that the body cannot produce it. However, most people manage to obtain the necessary amount through a complete and varied diet.
Currently, it is mainly found in animal products, but it is also available in oral supplements and injection. Below we develop the concept in more depth, as well as its main characteristics.
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that the body requires for several important processes. As we mentioned earlier, it is key to helping transform food into energy sources. However, beyond this, it performs other key health functions.
One of the most prominent has to do with the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA. Therefore, its deficiency is related to anemia and dysfunctions in the immune system. In addition, an adequate absorption of this nutrient can provide benefits such as:
- Increase energy level
- Improve memory
- Lower the risk of heart disease
- Reduce the chances of birth defects
- Support bone health and minimize the risk of osteoporosis
- Lower the risk of macular degeneration
- Regulate mood
- Prevent the loss of neurons
- Take care of skin and hair health
How can vitamin B12 help prevent anemia?
Patients with anemia should have their vitamin B12 levels checked. Although this disorder is usually related to the decrease in iron levels, a low contribution of this vitamin may also be related. The reason? Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells.
Low levels of vitamin B12 prevent red blood cells from developing properly, which can lead to episodes of megaloblastic anemia. The body of a person with this disease has difficulty transporting oxygen to vital organs, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
In addition to fatigue and weakness, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia triggers other clinical manifestations. As indicated in a recent study, treating vitamin B12 deficiencies quickly and effectively is very important, since lack of treatment can make them more severe as days go by. The most common are:
- Lack of appetite
- Pale skin
- Difficult to focus
- Muscle instability and weakness
- Muscle elasticity
- Fatigue
- Incontinence
- Low blood pressure
- Mood disorders
How much vitamin B12 should you take?
As with many other nutrients, the daily dose of vitamin B12 varies depending on age. Other factors that can determine your daily requirements are pregnancy and health. According to the above, the necessary doses are:
- Birth to 6 months of age: 0.4 micrograms (mcg)
- 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
- 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
- 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
- 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
- 14-18 years: 2.4 mcg
- 19 and older: 2.4 mcg
- Pregnant teens and women: 2.6 mcg
- Lactating women and adolescents: 2.8 mcg
How to get enough vitamin B12?
Most people get enough vitamin B12 through their diet. However, there are some factors that can lead to a deficiency. For example, it is common among patients with autoimmune or intestinal diseases. It also frequently affects vegans and patients undergoing anticonvulsant, antacid, and chemotherapy treatments.
Doctors will be in charge of evaluating whether a person needs to consume this nutrient through supplements. However, it can usually be obtained through the consumption of healthy foods such as:
- Dairy products
- Fish
- Eggs
- Meat and chicken
Contraindications
Although vitamin B12 is necessary for the body, its excessive intake is contraindicated. Taking more than is adequate can cause changes in blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, inflammation, among other consequences. It can also affect patients with hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and skin disorders.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure an adequate amount, especially when consumed in supplements. In fact, the latter should be taken only under medical supervision.
