The Human Body Needs A Minimum Quantity Of Vitamin B-12

By Author: Ramesh Vittal
Total Articles: 26
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Among the B complex group of vitamins required by the human body, B-12 plays an important role. It is stored in the liver and found in small quantities in every tissue and hence plays an important role in the functions of almost all organs in the body. Its primary function is to produce vital DNA, aid in maintaining a healthy nervous system and in the formation of red blood cells. Deficiency in this vitamin can cause complications.

There are some hormonal changes are evident with deficiency of B-12. Muscle weakness, fatigue, swings in moods and memory disorders. There is a marked increase in the levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that increases blood stickiness. These symptoms generally do not show up immediately as the reserves present in the body are first used up. It is when the levels drop below 250 picograms per ml of blood that the problem begins. Detecting the deficiency at an early stage and supplementing it is important.

The actual daily requirement of vitamin B-12 by the body is a mere 2.4 micrograms. This is present in our daily food. Rich sources are liver, red meat and fish. The content ...
... found in eggs and chicken are much lower. However, it is the sworn vegans who need to be extra careful as there is very little or no traces found in most vegetarian food. The only course for vegetarians would be to consume milk and yogurt everyday to get enough of vitamin B-12. There can be a congenital defect resulting in a decrease in the red blood cells which is called pernicious anemia. When it occurs at birth it is inherited, the defective gene would be present in each parent.

There is a substance in the stomach known as the intrinsic factor which is essential for absorption of B-12. It is difficult for people suffering from this disorder to be able to absorb vitamin B-12. Food sources of B-12 need stomach acid to be absorbed. When the acid is continuously suppressed by acid lowering drugs, people can develop vitamin B-12 deficiency. The natural secretion of acid in the stomach decreases with age. It is important to have regular supplementation which will be required by older people. Synthetic B-12 has an advantage as it does not require stomach acid for absorption.

There are certain drugs that interfere with the absorption of B-12. For instance, this deficiency can occur in chronic diabetics who have been under medication for a long period of time. The drugs interfere in the process of absorption of B-12. The problem could be present with people who have gone in for surgery in the stomach for removal of ulcers. Another reason for any inability or poor levels of absorption would be prolonged intake of excessive quantities of alcohol which can affect the absorption rate. People who take certain type of medicines like birth control pills, diuretics would be on potassium supplements. When the potassium levels increase, the absorption of B-12 gets affected. Those being treated for inflammatory bowel disease would also face similar problems. People undergoing medication for epilepsy can also have problems. Finally, patients suffering from H Pylori and Giardia infections need to take care.

Most patients respond to oral medication, the dosage of which can be gradually reduced over a period of time. Drugs need to be injected directly into the bloodstream only for those with severe deficiency and for people suffering from pernicious anemia. Early detection and suitable medication would be of prime importance in leading a normal, healthy life. More related information is available on various web portals that can be browsed throughFiOS Bundles