Is your memory blanking-­out on you? Do you experience a fuzzy unfocused mind? Mental fog? Do you find yourself lacking motivation or having mood swings? Have you been feeling low on energy or find yourself easily fatigued? Do you have tingling or numbness, or a crawling sensations in your arms, legs or feet? Do you feel any or all of the above without having a medical condition? Then you may be simply B12 deficient!

You can supplement your B12 levels and help with all the necessary bodily functions that B12 is responsible for:

  • Overall energy
  • Cognitive functions – thinking and remembering
  • Aids in the formation of blood: it regulates DNA synthesis
  • Supports fatty acids synthesis and formation

So even if you are not deficient and don’t have any symptoms, there is no harm in supplementing with B12. You Can consume a daily dose of Vitamin B12 supplement amounting to 500 mcg (micrograms) per day .

Vitamins are required in very little amount for a variety of functions in our body such as catalyzing enzymatic reactions and RBC production. These vitamins occur naturally in our food. 13 vitamins are there needed in our body, out of which 8 comes under vitamin B complex. The vitamin B complex helps as power source in various body activities.

These are eight vitamins are: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Folate (folic acid ) &Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Vitamin B12 and folic acid (folate ) works in production of blood cells. Deficiency of folate increases the risk of birth defects in feotus that’s why it is necessary in pregnant females. Vitamin B12 deficiency is related to pernicious anemia.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency are :

General weakness, Rapid heartbeat, Pale skin, Sore tongue, Swollen and red gums, Diarrhea/ constipation, Confusion, Depression, Ringing in ears, Headaches, Weight Loss, Gastrointestinal Problems, Shortness of Breath, Tingling in Fingers and Toes, Tremors, Sleeplessness, Loss of balance, Degeneration of peripheral nerves

Some Diseases associated with vitamin B12 deficiency

Addison’s disease, Diabetes Mellitus Type-I, Grave’s disease, Myasthenia gravis, Hypoactivity of pituitary gland, Underactive parathyroid gland, Secondary amenorrhea, Vitiligo

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be diagnosed by –

Complete blood count (CBC), Reticulocyte count, Schillings test, Serum Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, Vitamin B12 level, Folic acid (folate), Homocysteine, Urine test for Methylmalonic acid

Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamine is among the important vitamins for optimal nervous tissue and blood functions. . Elderly persons are more susceptible to this condition, which could result in dementia.

A balanced diet is recommended. A balanced diet is recommended. One must take iron, vitamin and mineral rich food to full little amount of highly required elements. Add fruits in your diet. Whole cereals, Food rich in iron and chlorophyll, Fresh juices ( carrot, beet, cherry, pomegranate, apple ), Figs, dates, raisins, Honey, Meat, Milk, Cheese, Eggs, Anything of animal origin can be good source of Iron and Vitamins.

Some of the foods suggested in vitamin B12 content are Fermented soyabeans and fermented vegetables including tea leaves. The fermentation process adds vitamin B12 to these vegetarian foods. Two species of edible algae – dried purple and green lavers. Black trumpet and golden chanterelle mushrooms. Vegetables enriched in vitamin B12 during the cultivation process. Fortified B12-containing foods like ready-to-eat cereals

The cooking method could also affect the vitamin B12 content of the food. Cooking at high temperatures and for long periods could reduce the vitamin B12 . It is also found that vitamin B12 is lost even when food is microwaved. Vitamin B12 in tablets also undergoes degradation if they contain high amounts of vitamin C and copper.

Thus, vitamin B12 deficiency can be carefully avoided in vegetarians through careful planning of their diet.

VERY IMPORTANT: Check and consult with your physician before supplementing yourself with B12 to make sure that it is safe and effective for daily addition to your diet and routine.