If B-12 comes knocking on your door, what should you do? In-vitamin of course!
Unfortunately, about three million Americans are unable to in-vite B-12 into their lives due to a variety of different reasons, but not limited to the process of aging and disorders of the immune system.
B-12 provides many benefits to the human body, as it is a key ingredient in neural health stimulating the production of natural mood enhancers such as serotonin and dopamine. Vitamin B12 is essential in maintaining healthy red blood cells and deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. It is also known to improve one’s memory and focus.
Vitamin B-12 is unique in the fact it is not produced organically in the body, hence making it essential that we obtain enough through dietary sources. Animal-based foods such as tuna, beef, and eggs are rich in B-12. For those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is important to seek supplements or B-12-fortified foods in order to keep the levels constant.
For some, it is difficult to absorb vitamin B12 despite adequate dietary intake, especially in those who suffer from conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn’s disease. Certain medications such as those meant to treat heartburn can also interfere with the absorption of B-12.
Many Americans find themselves deficient in this vitamin for a variety of other reasons. Symptoms of B-12 deficiency include fatigue, numbness, and tingling in your legs, pale skin, forgetfulness, and muscle weakness. If you are concerned about vitamin B12 deficiency, it can be tested for with a simple blood test. Discuss your risk factors and possible vitamin B12 deficiency with your primary care physician if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms. Our physician Dr. Makkani at Katy-Fulshear Internal Medicine can help. Call (346) 500-5342 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
Sources
“Anemia, Megaloblastic.” National Organization for Rare Disorders, 11 Feb. 2015, https://rarediseases.org/rare-
diseases/anemia-megaloblastic/?filter=ovr-ds-resources.
“Vitamin B12.” Nih.gov, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2023.
“Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-
b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes. Accessed 13 Feb. 2023.
“Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, 18 Jan. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-
deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-
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