1.Vitam B-12 belongs to the B-complex group of vitamins.
2. It is stored in the liver and present in small amounts in every tissue.
3. It has a role to play in the functions of almost all organs.
4. It is mainly required for DNA production, a healthy nervous system, and for formation of red blood cells.
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY
1. The hormonal changes due to its deficiency causes muscle weakness, fatigue, unsteady gait, depression, mood and memory disorders.
2. Its deficiency increases levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that increases blood stickiness.
3. These symptoms may not show up immediately because of reserves in the body.
4. Problems surface when levels fall below 250 picograms per millimeter of blood.
OCCURANCE OF DEFICIENCY
1. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also occur in those:
a) who are diabetics taking drugs, since the drugs interfere with absorption of the vitamin,
b) who have had stomach surgery for ulcers or weight reduction,
c) who are heavy drinkers,
d) taking potassium supplements, or amino salicylic acid for inflammatory bowel disease,
e) taking drugs for fits,
f) who are suffering from H Pylori and Giardia infections.
DAILY REQUIREMENT
1. Actually, we need very little vitamin B-12, i.e. only 2.4 micrograms every day. 2. Non-vegetarian food provides enough of this, especially liver, red meat and fish.
3. Eggs and chicken are also good sources but have lower content.
4. For vegetarians, dairy products are the only source.
5. They should therefore consume at least 3 cups each of milk and curds daily to get enough of vitamin B-12.
6. Vitamin B-12 from both natural and synthetic sources must be combined with a substance in the stomach or an intrinsic factor, to be absorbed.
7. This factor is lacking in people with pernicious anaemia.
8. Food sources of B-12 need stomach acid for their absorption.
9. So, if stomach acid is continuously suppressed by acid-lowering drugs, even non-vegetarians can develop B-12 deficiency.
10. Stomach acid reduces with age and regular supplementation may be required in the old.
11. Synthetic B-12, however, does not require stomach acid for absorption.
TREATMENT
1. Most patients respond to oral medication that can be gradually reduced over time and then maintained after levels are normal.
2. Injections are required only for those with severe deficiency or if suffering from pernicious anaemia.
2. It is stored in the liver and present in small amounts in every tissue.
3. It has a role to play in the functions of almost all organs.
4. It is mainly required for DNA production, a healthy nervous system, and for formation of red blood cells.
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY
1. The hormonal changes due to its deficiency causes muscle weakness, fatigue, unsteady gait, depression, mood and memory disorders.
2. Its deficiency increases levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that increases blood stickiness.
3. These symptoms may not show up immediately because of reserves in the body.
4. Problems surface when levels fall below 250 picograms per millimeter of blood.
OCCURANCE OF DEFICIENCY
1. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also occur in those:
a) who are diabetics taking drugs, since the drugs interfere with absorption of the vitamin,
b) who have had stomach surgery for ulcers or weight reduction,
c) who are heavy drinkers,
d) taking potassium supplements, or amino salicylic acid for inflammatory bowel disease,
e) taking drugs for fits,
f) who are suffering from H Pylori and Giardia infections.
DAILY REQUIREMENT
1. Actually, we need very little vitamin B-12, i.e. only 2.4 micrograms every day. 2. Non-vegetarian food provides enough of this, especially liver, red meat and fish.
3. Eggs and chicken are also good sources but have lower content.
4. For vegetarians, dairy products are the only source.
5. They should therefore consume at least 3 cups each of milk and curds daily to get enough of vitamin B-12.
6. Vitamin B-12 from both natural and synthetic sources must be combined with a substance in the stomach or an intrinsic factor, to be absorbed.
7. This factor is lacking in people with pernicious anaemia.
8. Food sources of B-12 need stomach acid for their absorption.
9. So, if stomach acid is continuously suppressed by acid-lowering drugs, even non-vegetarians can develop B-12 deficiency.
10. Stomach acid reduces with age and regular supplementation may be required in the old.
11. Synthetic B-12, however, does not require stomach acid for absorption.
TREATMENT
1. Most patients respond to oral medication that can be gradually reduced over time and then maintained after levels are normal.
2. Injections are required only for those with severe deficiency or if suffering from pernicious anaemia.