vit5

Vitamin B12 Folic Acid

This subject along with many others are quite common.

Contents

E many different types of vitamin B.

Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Or Folate Deficiency

Eficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. There are several different types of anaemia and each one has a different cause.
A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including: extreme tiredness

a lack of energy

pins and needles (paraesthesia)

a sore and red tongue

mouth ulcers

muscle weakness

disturbed vision

psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion

problems with memory, understanding and judgement Some of these problems can also happen if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate but do not have anaemia.

RELATED:  Turmeric And Black Pepper

When To See A Gp

These treatments may be needed for the rest of your life. Folic acid tablets are used to restore folate levels.
These usually need to be taken for 4 months. In some cases, improving your diet can help treat the condition and prevent it coming back. The best sources of folate include green vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and peas.
Potential complications can include: problems with the nervous system

temporary infertility

heart conditions

pregnancy complications and birth defects Adults with severe anaemia are also at risk of developing heart failure. Community content from HealthUnlocked.

Foods Rich In Folic Acid And Vitamin B12

Diarrhoea, constipation

No appetite

Fatigue / tiredness

Foods rich in folic acid

Meat Legumes Starches Fruit and vegetables Liver (best source0 Dried beans Whole grain breads Spinach Chicken giblets Lentils Wheat flour Beetroot Kidney Split peas (Dahls) Potato Brussel Sprouts Egg yolk Soya Products Sweet potato Broccoli Almonds Cabbage Nuts Asparagus Banana Oranges Peaches

RELATED:  Type X Collagen Benefits

Important Guidelines

Include more foods that are high in Folic Acid in the diet

Fruit and vegetables should be eaten raw whenever possible as cooking destroys Folic Acid

Avoid alcohol in the diet as it leads to Folic Acid deficiency

Pregnant women have higher requirements for Folic Acid and should take Folic Acid supplements as advised by the doctor/dietician/nurse.
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

RELATED:  Probiotics For Baby Calves

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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *