WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT VITAMIN B12

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient required for the normal development of the human body. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin responsible for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It aids in the formation of red blood cells and DNA. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a red blood cell defect that causes tiredness and fatigue.

Sportspeople require a good amount of B12 content in their diet because it cannot be fulfilled with everyday food. Fast&Up and HealthAid brands offer nutrient-rich products that suffice the needs of athletes.

Which foods contain Vitamin B12?

B12 is one of the essential vitamins for the body. Because our body cannot produce B12 on its own, we need to include Vitamin B12 in food and diet. Here is the list of a few Vitamin B12 sources that should be included in our diet:

• Milk and Dairy Products: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of protein, minerals, and vitamins. According to some studies, our body absorbs dairy products more effectively than non-vegetarian foods. 
   
• Eggs: Eggs are a natural source of protein as well as vitamins B2 and B12. Egg yolk contains a higher amount of Vitamin B12 as compared to egg white. Therefore, it is advised to eat a complete egg instead of just the egg white.
   
• Fortified Non-Dairy Products: Fortified products are a good choice for people who follow vegan diets. Soy, almond and rice milk are fortified and used as a replacement for dairy milk. These replacements serve as a great source of Vitamin B12.
   
• Beef: Beef is considered the richest source of Vitamin B12. To achieve higher concentrations of B12, low-fat meat should be used. Besides, meat should be grilled or roasted to preserve its Vitamin B12 content.
   
• Organ Meats: Organ meats have high nutritional value, especially animal liver and kidneys. Lamb, veal and beef kidneys are rich in Vitamin B12. 

Fast&Up and Healthaid are some of the best online stores that offer a wide variety of nutritional products. One can buy Vitamin B12 supplements from here at the best prices.  

What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells and DNA. Because it is not produced by our body, fortified foods and dietary supplements obtained from animal food and dairy products are useful. However, low Vitamin B12 content is a common deficiency observed majorly in elderly people. Usually, the deficiency occurs if the body can not absorb a sufficient amount of nutrients from the food. Online nutrition stores such as Fast&Up and Healthaid cater for products that can overcome Vitamin B12 deficiency in humans. In general, Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are observed commonly in

• Old-age people
• People on a strict vegan diet
• A person who is on a long-term antacid for heartburn
• Diabetes patients who are on metformin drug
   

The effects of deficiency of Vitamin B12 can remain unknown for years. Sometimes, low Vitamin B12 content can cause folate levels in the body to drop. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes the following symptoms:

• Pale Skin: Low Vitamin B12 content can lead to low production of RBCs in the body, resulting in megaloblastic anaemia. In this condition, RBCs in the bone marrow become large and fragile. A lesser amount of RBCs give a yellow tinge to the skin and whiteness to the eyes leading to jaundice.
   
• Fatigue: The deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the body restricts the production of RBCs in the body. This hampers the supply of proper oxygen throughout the body, thereby leading to weakness, fatigue and mobility issues.
   
• Nerve Damage: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of myelin. Myelin is a lipid-rich substance critical for the functioning of the nervous system. Lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to potential nerve damage.
   
• Mouth Ulcers and Glossitis: Glossitis is a condition in which the tongue gets reddish and swollen. It can be an early sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Besides, lack of Vitamin B12 can cause ulcers in the mouth with itching and burning sensation.
   
• Breathlessness: Shortness of breath may occur due to B12 deficiency in the body. This occurs due to a lack of sufficient RBCs in the body that supply oxygen to various body parts.
   
• Blurred Vision: Insufficient amount of Vitamin B12 in the body can cause damage to the optic nerve that is connected to the eyes. This may further disrupt the nerve signals that travel from the brain to the eyes, thus causing blurred vision.
   
• Changes in Mood: Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can deteriorate the proper functioning of the brain. It can cause interference in nervous signal transmission, leading to mood swings in a person.

What are the uses of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an essential immunity booster required by people of all age groups. Vitamin B12 can either be taken orally or through injections. As per the recommendation of a healthcare provider, Vitamin B12 shots can also be taken. Vitamin B12 is largely used for the treatment of

• Imerslund–Grasbeck Disease: This is a rare health syndrome that usually occurs in childhood due to Vitamin B12 deficiency. The health condition can be cured by injecting B12 shots regularly for 1 week.
   
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This can be overcome by regularly taking Vitamin B12 orally or through shots. Vitamin B12 can also be inhaled through the nose.
   
• Cyanide Poisoning: Hydroxocobalamin is a natural form of Vitamin B12 that is likely to be effective in treating cyanide poisoning. However, hydroxocobalamin shots can be taken only after a doctor's prescription.
   
• Canker Sores: A Canker sore is a small painful ulcer that occurs inside the mouth. Applying Vitamin B12 ointment or taking Vitamin B12 under the tongue can help reduce canker sores.
   
• Hyperhomocysteinemia: Hyperhomocysteinemia refers to a state of high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Vitamin B12 along with folic acid can overcome this problem.

What are the side effects of B12?

Regular intake of cyanocobalamin or Vitamin B12 tablets or Fast&Up and Healthaid supplements may cause some adverse effects on the body. These include

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Nose bleeding
• Chest pain
• Cold and cough
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Extreme fatigue
• Skin rashes or itching
• Irregular breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pale skin
• Swelling in the eyes
• Weight gain 

Does vitamin B12 interact with medications?

Consumption of Vitamin B12 tablets may interfere with some over-the-counter medications. Consult your doctor beforehand in case you experience any discomfort following the intake of B12 supplements. Here are a few medications that may not go with Vitamin B12 tablets. 

• Gastric acid inhibitors: These medicines treat digestion-related problems such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal. These drugs reduce the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thereby causing Vitamin B12 deficiency. Common gastric acid inhibitors include omeprazole, cimetidine and ranitidine.
   
• Metformin: Metformin helps treat diabetes and its symptoms. Consumption of metformin may reduce the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the body. 

What precautions should you take before consuming Vitamin B12? 

Special precautions need to be considered while consuming Vitamin B12 tablets. These are

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: In general, it is safe to consume Vitamin B12 supplements for pregnant as well as breastfeeding mothers. The recommended dosage for pregnant women is 2.6 µg per day, whereas it should be 2.8 µg per day for breastfeeding mothers.
   
• Sensitivity to Cobalamin or Vitamin B12: Some people are allergic to vitamins. In such cases, it is advised not to use cobalamin or Vitamin B12 to avoid complications.
   
• Post-surgical Placement of Stent: If you have undergone coronary stent replacement, avoid taking Vitamin B12. Consumption of Vitamin B12 or its combination with folate and Vitamin B6 can narrow the blood vessels.