The right amount of nutrients can help your body function at optimal levels, to resist disease and to provide normal energy levels. Ordinarily, people receive vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat, but dieting, eating processed foods and fasting can deplete these nutrients, which can lead to unpleasant effects. Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for keeping cells healthy and for providing good nerve function. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can produce fatigue and other issues that may require treatment.
Vitamin B12, known as cobalamin, is a nutrient the human body cannot produce on its own. It must be taken in this nutrient through the foods people eat or through supplementation, Vitamin B12 is naturally found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. You can also get your vitamin B 12 in fortified cereals. Vitamin B12 is critical for DNA synthesis and for the metabolizing of amino acids and fatty acids. This vitamin is important for memory, mood, energy and heart health.
Getting your daily requirement of vitamin B12 should be relatively easy if you eat a balanced diet. Those who follow a vegan diet may have some difficulty getting enough B12 and may need supplementation. Aging can cause a decline in vitamin B12 absorption in the body and may require B12 supplementation. Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 and require supplementation. If you have had surgery on your gastrointestinal system, you may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin, oral birth control pills and other medications can cause low levels of B12.
If your vitamin B12 levels are too low, you may feel very tired or may feel weak. You may have nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea can sometimes occur. You may not feel as hungry as usual, and you may lose weight. Your skin may take on a yellowish cast. Your mouth tissues and tongue may be sore. You may develop nerve problems, with numbness and tingling. Your doctor can order a blood test to determine if your symptoms are due to low levels of vitamin B12.
If your doctor finds that you have low levels of vitamin B12, they may recommend supplementation. Vitamin B12 can be supplemented through oral pills, through intramuscular injection or through IV infusion. What type is best for you depends on absorption. Taking vitamin B12 orally is not the most efficient way to receive the nutrient because it must go through the gastrointestinal system, which may not provide the components the vitamin needs for optimal absorption. Intramuscular injection does not have this problem, but repeated shots can be painful for some individuals. IV infusion of vitamin B12 gives an immediate boost, but may require more frequent administration. Discuss with your health care professional.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common and can be caused by a variety of factors. Your doctor can determine if you need supplementation of vitamin B12 and the best form of administration for your needs.
