B12 Deficiency

B12 deficiency is critical to the human body, and there could be serious consequences to your health if a B12 deficiency goes untreated.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin because it has the element, cobalt, in it. It helps make red blood cells and supports healthy nerve function. As it that weren't enough, it also helps build DNA.

Usually bound to protein (as in meats and eggs), cobalamin is released during the digestive process. A substance made by cells lining the stomach called Intrinsic Factor binds to it, and this complex of cobalamin and intrinsic factor is then absorbed in the intestinal tract. Some people have trouble making enough intrinsic factor to combine with cobalamin (B12); this results in less B12 absorbed in the intestinal tract, which can develop into a vitamin b12 deficiency called pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia takes time to develop because the liver stores plenty of vitamin B12 and it takes about a year to deplete its stores of cobalamin (B12). Another way to develop B12 deficiency is to not take in enough foods that provide vitamin B12. This can occur to strict vegetarians who neglect to supplement their diet with vitamin B12.

One very important note here, is that vegetarians who are considering pregnancy should begin B12 supplementation long before they become pregnant. Breast-fed infants of vegetarian moms who do not supplement B12 are at high risk for B12 deficiency; infants have limited stores of B12 and can develop a deficiency within months of birth. This is important because untreated B12 deficiency in babies can result in severe and permanent neurological (nerve) damage.

B12 supplementation includes oral capsules, sublingual tabs (placed under tongue), and B12 shots. Injections of B12 are given when a person has already developed pernicious anemia in order to immediately boost their B12 level, after which daily oral supplementation is taken. Sublingual tabs are also absorbed well and can improve B12 levels dramatically.

Most people with low levels and diets low in vitamin B12 would do well to supplement B12 daily, especially vegetarians, women considering pregnancy, and persons with digestive issues.

So you're probably still here because you want to learn more about B12 deficiency. Go to my site, where you can read about which foods to eat in order to improve your intake of vitamin B12.

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