The b12 vitaminalso known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the formation of blood and the functioning of the nervous system. The problem with this vitamin is that our body cannot produce it, so it has to depend on food sources and supplements to obtain it.
Studies suggest that up to 80-90 percent of the vegans Y vegetarians are deficient in b12 vitamin. This disorder affects the human body in various ways. Since cause anemia by vitamin deficiency even underpins the Central Nervous System.
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Often symptoms of deficiency b12 vitamin are confused with dementia due to overlapping signs. This leads to incorrect or delayed treatment.
You can get vitamin B12 in foods of animal origin, which contain it naturally, or in products that have been fortified with it. Photo Liza Summer
Here are four signs of dementia that are similar to those of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Confusion
Vitamin B12 is also responsible for producing healthy blood cells, which carry oxygen to different parts of the body. The lack of red blood cells will decrease the oxygen supply in the brain, which will cause confusion. Some people can even feel dizzy from time to time.
Depression
Studies suggest that high homocysteine levels, caused by low B12 levels, can alter some of the brain tissue. This causes interference in brain signals, which results in mood swings and even depression. Studies suggest that the condition is reversible by taking vitamin B12 supplements.
little concentration
If you have noticed changes in your concentration level lately, make a diagnosis to find out if you have a low level of vitamin B12. poor concentration is a typical sign of nutrient deficiency caused by the lack of an adequate amount of oxygen in the brain and the disturbance of brain tissue.
Forgot
Difficulty finding the right word while speaking or often forgetting things after holding it somewhere are common symptoms of deficiency. b12 vitamin and of the dementia. Symptoms can be long or short term, depending on the complexity of your situation.
You can be deficient in vitamin B12 if you follow a vegan diet (meaning you don’t eat any animal products, such as meat, milk, cheese, and eggs) or if you’re a vegetarian Photo: Liza Summer
Causes of B12 deficiency
There are two main causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency: the pernicious anemia and the diet.
In the first case, the immune system destroys the healthy cells in your stomachpreventing your body from absorbing the vitamin from the supplement and the food you eat.
The second is due to a insufficient intake of vitamin B12 through diet. It could be because you are not eating enough foods rich in vitamin B12 or because you are vegan or vegetarian. The amount needed also depends on factors such as your age, your eating habits and medical conditions, and what medications you take. Photo: Liza Summer
How much vitamin B12 should you consume?
The amount of vitamin B12 you need in a day varies by age. The recommended average daily amounts, measured in micrograms (mcg) are:
Children from 4 to 8 years old: 1.2mcg
Children from 9 to 13 years old: 1.8mcg
Adolescents from 14 to 18 years old: 2.4mcg
Adults: 2.4mcg
Pregnant and lactating women: 2.6mcg per day if you are pregnant and 2.8mcg per day if you are breastfeeding
When you should see the doctor
Along with the symptoms mentioned above, if your skin looks pale, if you feel weak, or if there is any change in mobility and you often feel short of breath, then don’t waste a minute and make an appointment with your doctor. .
Your specialist doctor may recommend that you have a blood test to diagnose the possibility of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Depending on the results obtained from the report, the doctor will suggest changes in the diet or prescribe supplements that allow you to regularize your levels.