Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 Information

Vitamin B12 and folic acid are important (along with the other b group vitamins) in the formation of blood cells and the health of nerve cells. Deficiency in B12 Vitamin results in pernicious anaemia a chronic disease most common in older people.

A deficiency may still occur as a result of an inability to absorb Vitamin B12 (abrreviated as vit B12) from food and in strict vegetarians who do not consume any foods that come from animals

This vitamin is usually made in the digestive tract by bacteria and then absorbed into the blood through the gut wall. It can also be found in the vitamin B12 foods, liver and other meats, shellfish, eggs, milk and milk products.  It is a water soluble vitamin and excess is removed by urination.

 

Vit B12 Deficiency

Signs, symptoms, and health problems associated with B12 vitamin deficiency include anaemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Other symptoms of vit B12 shortages are problems in keeping your balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

 

Vegetarians

Vegans are most at risk for developing a B12 deficiency because the only reliable dietary sources of vit B12 are animal-derived products. But even vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy products consume less than half the adult Recommended Dietary Allowance.

b12 vits deficiency in infants that are breast fed is rare but can happen as a result of maternal shortages. Breast-fed infants of women who follow strict vegetarian diets have very limited reserves of vit B12 and can develop a vit B12 deficiency within the first year after birth. This is of concern because undetected and untreated vit B12 deficiency in children can result in permanent brain damage.

 

Older adults

Up to 30 percent of adults aged older than 50 years may have atrophic gastritis, an increased growth of intestinal bacteria. They are also more likely to having thinning of the stomach lining and a poor production of hydrochloric acid. Less hydrochloric acid decreases the amount of vit b12 separated from food proteins and can also result in growth of normal bacteria in the small intestines. The bacteria may take up vit b12 for their own use, further adding to vit b12 deficiency.

These aging factors can make it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 in food. They are, however, able to absorb the b12 supplement added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements and fortified foods may be the best sources of vitamin B12 for adults older than age 50 years.

 

b12 Supplements

Knowing that the absorption of b12 can be compromised in older adults the use of a Liquid Vit B12 can reduce this problem. Sublingual administration allows B vitamins to be absorbed quickly through the mouth and directly into the blood.