What is Vitamin B12?
A vitamin is a nutrient known for keeping your body's blood and nerve cells in healthy condition and helps make DNA, which makes the genetic material inside our bodies. Vitamin B12 is vital in preventing megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes individuals tired and weak (National Institute of Health). Vitamin B12 comes in a water-soluble form that's absorbed by the stomach into the bloodstream. This vitamin is not naturally found in our bodies, so it is essential to incorporate it into our daily diet. Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products and dairy products.
"I hope to add real value to social media and share what my patients ask me about." — Dr. Dooreck
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life BalanceIf you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation
Having served as doctors for over a decade, we help Family Offices, Private Individuals, Registered Investment Advisors, High-Net-Worth Advisors, and C-Suites navigate the healthcare system for their select clients/families, providing privacy and discretion.
Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy when YOU need it mostAccording to the National Institutes of Health vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults.
What is the importance of vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 helps produce oxygen in red blood cells, essential for the body's functioning. When there is a lack of Vitamin B12, red blood cells enlarge, making it difficult for them to reach the bloodstream and leading to anemia.
Does vitamin B12 improve overall health?
It is said that vitamin B12 affects brain function when there is vitamin B12 deficiency; it will affect memory and cognition as we age. A lack of vitamin B12 can cause symptoms of weakness, and fatigue may be present. An increase in vitamin B12 causes a boost in energy. It is recommended to consume foods that are rich in vitamin B12. Low vitamin B12 can cause deficiency, and high levels of B12 increase energy levels.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anemia if it is left untreated.
What causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Individuals who are at higher risk of developing a deficiency:
Those older than 65
Take medications for heartburn or diabetes
Those who are vegan
Those who are pregnant
Experiencing specific symptoms may be a high indication that you may be suffering from vitamin B12:
Observed a change in skin color; appeared paler than usual
Feel constant fatigue or weakness
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Vision becomes blurry
Mood swings
What foods provide Vitamin B12?
Milk
Eggs
Yogurt
Salmon
Beef
Tuna
Cheese
Chicken
Banana
How is vitamin B12 absorbed?
The body can only absorb food after it is split from the protein by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. To absorb B12 in the terminal ileum, the stomach's parietal cells produce a glycoprotein called the Intrinsic Factor (IF).
The free cobalamin attaches to an R protein removed when passing into the duodenum, allowing it to bind to the IF and its active absorption. The B12-IF complex then moves into the small intestine, where ileal receptors ingest it through phagocytosis.
Here is a video on Vitamin B12, "What You Need To Know About Vitamin B12 | Vegan Diets," from the Physicians Committee
Fun Facts
Your body stores 1,000 to 2,000 times as much vitamin B12
If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may feel tired or weak
Might also have pale skin, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, weight loss, and infertility
Low blood levels of vitamin B12 affect the risk of cognitive decline in older people.
People with an autoimmune disease called atrophic gastritis might not absorb enough vitamin B12 because they make a low amount of hydrochloric acid and Intrinsic Factor (IF) in their stomachs.
Statistics
According to the National Library of Medicine, studies have shown that approximately 1% to 2% of patients with anemia are due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults.
Summary
There is no magic formula for long-term, sustainable weight loss.
Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life Balance
If you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation✴ Connect with Dr. Dooreck on LinkedIn, where he shares information on Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.
gastroenterology | colonoscopy doctor | colonoscopy and gastroenterology services | gastro doctor | gi doctor | gastrointestinal diagnostic centers | public health