However, we will share with you as much information as possibly can about this subject so that you no longer have any questions left un-answered by the end of this article.
What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia?
If you are very low in this vitamin, you can get higher-dose vitamin B12 shots. You may need to take vitamin B12 for the rest of your life. If you let it go for too long, it can damage your heart, brain, nerves, bones, and other organs in your body.
With treatment, you should feel better and avoid any long-term problem.
What Is Vitamin B12?
This water-soluble vitamin has many essential functions in your body. Your body stores excess vitamin B12 in the liver, so if you consume more than the RDI, your body will save it for future use.
You may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency if your body does not produce enough intrinsic factor, or if you don’t eat enough vitamin-B12-rich foods Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, especially meat and dairy products.
Contents
E many different types of vitamin B.
This section has information on: thiamin (vitamin B1)
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
niacin (vitamin B3)
pantothenic acid
vitamin B6
biotin (vitamin B7)
folate and folic acid
vitamin B.
Foods Rich In Folic Acid And Vitamin B12
Why are folic acid and vitamin B12 so important
Folic Acid and vitamin B12 are needed for body functioning and for normal growth A lack of these vitamins causes a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia
Causes of folic acid deficiency
Poor eating habits
Poor absorption
Increased requirements e.g. Due to growth or pregnancy
Certain types of medication
Certain disease conditions
Alcoholism
Oral contraceptives (the “pill”)
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency
Poor growth
Smooth, red and painful tongue
Stomach and intestinal problems e.g.
Increase the use of wheat flour and soya flour in baking and food preparation
Causes of vitamin B12 Deficiency
Eating a diet that contains no meat or animal products
Poor absorption due to certain disease conditions or surgery
Surgery to the stomach or intestine
Oral contraceptives (the “pill”)
Smoking
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Similar symptoms to that of Folic Acid deficiency (see above) including:
Nerve damage
Numbness in hands and feet
Tingling (pins and needles) in hands and feet
Weakness in legs
Pale skin
Poor memory
Poor muscle coordination
Foods rich in Vitamin B12
Meat: liver best source; beef/mutton; chicken; pork/ham; fish, whole egg
Dairy products: milk; cheese; yoghurt; maas
Important Guidelines
Include more foods high in Vitamin B12 in the diet
Liver should be included more often in the diet as it is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, folic acid, iron and other important nutrients
Strict vegetarians, who do not have any dairy products, may require Vitamin B12 supplements
Complied by the KwaZulu-Natal Dietitians : Department of Health.