We may be familiar with the needs of having adequate macronutrients such as carbohydrate, fat and protein to have a healthy body. However, people often neglect the needs of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are also needed for the body to perform its function, even though it is needed in really small amounts. When this happens continuously, a person is likely to suffer vitamin deficiency. In this article, we will learn more about vitamin B12 deficiency and supplements to help treat it.
To know what vitamin B12 deficiency is, we must know what is actually vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is part of the 8 types of vitamin B. The human body needs this specific vitamin to produce red blood cells, nerves and many other functions. A healthy adult needs 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. The human body is unable to produce most vitamins, including vitamin B12. Thus, humans need to get vitamin B12 either from food or supplements such as the Mecomin capsule.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked by people as the symptoms develop slowly or resembling other medical conditions. Common symptoms include anaemia symptoms such as pale-yellow tint to the skin, abnormal nerve sensations such as tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, a swollen inflamed tongue (glossitis), weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability and hearing ringing sound or other noises that is not caused in the surrounding environment (tinnitus). In severe cases, vitamin B12 deficiency may cause abnormal liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) and spleen enlargement (hepatomegaly). Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by either inadequate vitamin B12 intake due to diet such as those practising vegetarian diet or problems within the body absorbing the vitamin B12 such as those diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed through blood tests, specifically a complete blood count and symptoms associated.
It is important to treat vitamin B12 deficiency to avoid permanent damages to the nerve and risk for developing cancer such as stomach or colon cancer and infertility issues. The good news is, most symptoms can be treated by making sure the person gets sufficient vitamin B12. Treatment depends on how severe the deficiency. In most severe cases, injection of vitamin B12 is given a few times a week for several weeks until the symptoms get better. Then, injections may be given once a month until the deficiency is solved. Some cases related to diet causing the vitamin B12 deficiency may be given injection of vitamin B12 a few times a year.
Supplements of vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency is usually recommended for those lacking the vitamin solely from diet and without severe deficiency or nerve issues. Look for supplements made with cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin as its ingredient. Supplements given by healthcare professionals may be at different dosage compared to what is available in the market. It is best to have discussion with your healthcare provider before buying such a supplement or when planning to use more than one supplement treating the same medical problem. A good vitamin B12 supplement available in the market should have a clear label of ingredient with its dosage that complies with the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) or Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) guide.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may be prevented in most people. Eating food high in vitamin B12 such as red meat, seafood, dairy and eggs, can help prevent yourself from falling into such deficiency. Those practising a strict vegetarian or vegan diet should take vitamin supplement or make sure the food they eat is fortified with vitamin B12. A standard multivitamin can deliver a minimum of 6 micrograms of vitamin B12 which is more than enough to cover the average body needs for the vitamin.
