Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin for DNA, RNA and myelin synthesis, as well as for the formation of red blood cells; However, this vitamin is usually stored in the body in larger amounts than other B vitamins, some situations can cause its deficiency and generate symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue and tingling in hands and feet.
The main causes of deficiency of this vitamin are Crohn’s disease, the realization of vegetarian diets without due advice or lack of intrinsic factor, a substance that allows the absorption of this vitamin.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be seen in the heart and nervous system, and the following symptoms may be noticed:
In children, vitamin deficiency can also lead to growth difficulties, general developmental delay, and megaloblastic anemia, for example. Discover all the functions of vitamin B12 in your body.
Vitamin B12 can have several causes, the main causes being
In addition, the use of medications such as antibiotics, metformin, and medications for gastritis and gastric ulcers, such as omeprazole, may decrease the absorption of B12 in the gut, so it is recommended to speak with your doctor to evaluate the need for vitamin use. Supplements.
Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency varies depending on its cause, in the case of pernicious anemia, for example, treatment is carried out with periodic intramuscular injections of this vitamin and other B-complex.
When the cause is food and absorption is normal, your doctor or nutritionist may recommend oral supplementation or vitamin B12 injection, as well as increased intake of foods rich in this vitamin.
In the case of vegetarians, it is important to include in the diet the consumption of foods fortified with this vitamin, such as soy milk, tofu and cereals, for example.
Excess of this vitamin is rare, as vitamin B12 can be easily removed in the urine, however, people with polyglobulia, allergies to cobalt or cobalamin or in postoperative periods should not take vitamin B12 supplements without medical advice.