What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is a group of water-soluble vitamins. They play an important role in various chemical processes in our body. For example – vitamin B12 is important during the absorption of iron. B12 is also important for the transport of oxygen in the blood and for DNA
synthesis the bacteria in the animal intestinal flora can produce vitamin B12; that is why vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products. A very important vitamin, a shortage of vitamin B12 is more common for people who eat little or no animal products or meat, such as vegetarians and
vegans.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
- Weak, tired feeling
- Light-headedness
- Little appetite
- Muscle soreness
- Paleness
- Nausea
- Digestion problems
- Joint problems
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by:
- Foods deficient in vitamin B12
- An autoimmune disease or infection that prevents proper absorption of vitamin B12
- Stomach surgeries
- Use of certain medicines
- If a part of the small intestine has been removed or is not functioning properly.
- Decreased gastric acid secretion • Lack of other micronutrients, especially iron and folic acid (vitamin B11).
- Lack of vitamin B12 intake is more common for people who eat little or no animal products or meat, such as vegetarians and vegans.