Vitamin B12 Deficiency : Causes,Clinical featuresDiagnosis and Treatment
We will see following topics and answers of your questions in this blog
1) VitB12 Function
2) VitB12 daily requirement
3) VitB12 source
4) VitB12 deficiency cause
5) Symptoms of vitB12 deficiency
6) Treatment of VitB12 deficiency
7) Prevention of VitB12 deficiency
(1) VITAMIN B12 FUNCTIONS IN HUMAN BODY
Vitamin B12 required for formation of DNA and Red blood cells (RBC) in human body.
It also help to development and functions of brain and nerve cells.
(2) VITAMIN B12 DAILY REQUIREMENT
The average recommended amounts, measured in micrograms (mcg), vary by age:
-Infants up to age 6 months: 0.4 mcg
-Babies age 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
-Children age 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
-Kids age 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
-Children age 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
-Teens age 14-18: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding)
-Adults: 2.4 mcg (2.6 mcg per day if pregnant and 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding)
(3) VITAMIN B12 SOURCE
Vitamin B12 source is Animal food and fortified food with vitB12.
Animal source include dairy products,egg,fish,meat etc.
(4) VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY CAUSE :
It could be due to decrease absorption of vitamin B12 or decrease consumption of VitB12 rich food.
You may also be more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency if you have :
-Atrophic gastritis
-Pernicious anemia
-Alcohol drinking
-Immune disorder like Graves disease or lupus
-Some medications also resist absorption of VitB12 like PPI ( Omeprazole,esomeprazole ),H2 blockers ( Ranitidin,Femotidin) and certain antidiabetic drugs like metformin.
You can also have Vitamin B12 deficiency due to vegan diet.
(5) SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
-Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
-Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
-Pale skin
-A smooth tongue
-Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas
-Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle -weakness, and problems walking
-Vision loss
-Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes
(6) TREATMENT OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
First you have to confirm vitamin B12 deficiency by blood test.
If you have pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 can't absorb in gut then first have to take vitamin B12 shots and after that vitamin B12 tablet should continue.
If you don't eat animal products, you have options. You can change your diet to include vitamin B12-fortified grains, a supplement or B12 injections, or a high-dose oral vitamin B12 if you are deficient
Older adults who have a vitamin B12 deficiency will likely have to take a daily B12 supplement or a multivitamin that contains B12.
For most people, treatment resolves the problem. But, any nerve damage that happened due to the deficiency could be permanent.
(7) PREVENTION OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
Most people can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency by eating enough meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and eggs.
If you don't eat animal food then you can eat vitamin B12 fortified food or vitamin B12 supplement.
Notes : This information for knowledge purpose and for students. Consult your doctor for vitamin B12 deficiency.
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