Vitamin B12 is one of the most important nutrients that our body requires. Vitamin B12 helps regulate the formation of red blood cell and plays a vital role in maintaining and increasing energy levels in the human body. B12 aids in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as helps in lowering homocysteine levels crucial for maintaining heart health. Proper functioning of neurological system and repairing of body tissues are maintained and looked after by Vitamin B12. It also contributes in the creation of bone marrow and DNA synthesis.   

Health complications

Since B12 aids major bodily functions, B12 deficiency can cause some serious health problems. Generally Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb or store enough B12 or when the required amount of B12 is not consumed by the body.  Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, nerve damage, neurological degeneration, balance and memory problems, chronic fatigue, poor mood, and cardiovascular problems.

Be on the lookout for those B12 deficiency symptoms  

It is important to be on the lookout for some known symptoms that indicate Vitamin B12 deficiency.  Anemia, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular problems, depression, shortness of breath, difficulty walking, memory loss/dementia, mood swings, constipation are some of the common symptoms of B12 deficiency. 

So what are the measures that can be taken to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency?

A healthy diet goes a long way in fulfilling the vitamin and nutrient requirements of our body.

• Vitamin B12 requirements can be met by including milk and milk products in the daily diet.
• Vitamin B12 is provided as a dietary supplement in many processed foods such as ready-to-eat cereals etc, and is also available in vitamin pill form, including multi-vitamins.
• Fish, poultry, eggs and red meat are excellent sources of Vitamin B12.
• Plant based foods do not contain Vitamin B12 however some fermented soya products, algae, as well as some seaweeds have been found to contain B12.
• Some good sources of Vitamin B12 for vegetarians include dairy products, cheddar cheese, B 12 fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, soya milk, textured vegetable protein, sunflower margarines, yeast extracts, etc.

Vitamin b12 supplements provide optimum B12 nutrients in the system helping overcoming B12 deficiency.