Vitamin B12

Posted by Winnie Melda on October 15th, 2018

 Introduction

The body requires vitamins to grow and attain optimal development.  Different foods contain different types of vitamins.  A person who eats a balanced diet will access all the vitamins that his or her body need for optimal growth.  However, health care professionals can prescribe vitamin supplements to persons diagnosed with a deficiency.  The paper below reviews vitamin B12 and highlights its positive and negative aspects.

Body

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in some food and also available as a supplement.   Vitamin B12 is available in foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products.  The vitamin is unavailable in plant foods but is present in fortified cereals.  The lack of vitamin B12 in plant foods means that vegetarians may have to rely on supplements so as to supply their bodies with adequate vitamin B12. It is critical for individuals to acquire a medical prescription for vitamin B12 so as to get the correct dosage (Zborower, 2013). The process of digestion ensures that vitamin B12 is released into the body. However, vitamin B12 supplements are purchased and used when they are in free form and thus readily dissolve in the body.

 The lack of vitamin B12 in the body can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.  Signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency include megaloblastic anemia, constipation, weakness, loss of appetite, and, tingling and numbness of the feet and hands.  In severe case, an individual can have problem maintaining body balance, poor memory, dementia, depression, and confusion. In infants, Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself through developmental delays, general poor health and movement disorders.  It is essential that patients receive diagnosis and begin treatment within the shortest time to minimize the risk of irreversible neurological damage (Zborower, 2013).

Vitamin B12 serves a very important function in the body.  First, the vitamin is needed for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose.  The presence of glucose in the body ensures that the body is energized thus reducing fatigue and lethargy.  Vitamin B12 is also essential for the regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and minimizing brain shrinkage. The vitamin ensures the nervous system and blood cells remain healthy. Vitamin B12 also helps in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.  The vitamin curbs unhealthy cholesterol levels thus minimizing the risk of conditions such as stroke and blood pressure.  Vitamin B 12 also ensures the healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails through continuous cell reproduction.

 There are several groups of people at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.  The elderly are susceptible to Vitamin B12 deficiency due to their declining digestive function.   A decline in the secretion of hydrochloric acid results to a decline in the absorption of vitamin B12 thus increasing the risk of a deficiency.  Persons with conditions such as Pernicious anemia, celiac, and Crohn’s disease may be unable to absorb vitamin B12 to healthy levels (Pawlak, & Lucus, 2012).  Vegetarians are also at risk of a deficiency because of their food choice that is exclusive to animal products.  Pregnant and lactating women may also experience deficiency since they are feeding for two people (the mother and child).

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in ensuring the optimal health and functioning of the body. Vitamin B12 aids in the creation of DNA, nerves and blood cells.  The Vitamin is also essential for a healthy brain and immune system.  It is important that individuals diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency begin treatment immediately so as to minimize the risk of irreversible body damage.

Reference

Pawlak, R. & Lucus, D. (2012). Understanding Vitamin B12. American Journal of lifestyle medicine.  Vol. 7(1): 60-65

Zborower, J. (2013). Signs of vitamin B12 deficiencies. Hunting4clients Publishing

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at Melda Research in affordable term papers if you need a similar paper you can place your order for essay writer services.