The Role of Vitamin B12 and the Nutrition Facts Label
Dietary sources
Vitamin B12 is naturally present in animal foods, like meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. For vegetarians, fortified breakfast cereals may be an important source of vitamin B12.
Compared to other foods, meat, eggs, and fish are rich sources of vitamin B-12. The average Norwegian woman consumes about 5.0 ug of vitamin B per day. However, a vegan diet is not rich in vitamin B-12. Soybean-fermented food, seaweed, and tea leaves are good sources of vitamin B. Dietary sources of vitamin B can vary greatly and are not necessarily recommended for all people.
Functions in the body
The role of vitamin B is essential for healthy nerve cells and the production of DNA and RNA. It works in conjunction with vitamin B9, folic acid, and the enzyme S-adenosylmethionine to control homocysteine levels. Folic acid is also used to synthesize niacin, an amino acid necessary for building red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism and promotes growth.
The B complex is a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that perform essential functions in the body. They play key roles in the metabolism of foods and the synthesis of red blood cells. B vitamins also play important roles in skin, hair, and nails, and the nervous system. Because these vitamins are water-soluble, they are not stored in the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. Several foods contain vitamins B.
Symptoms of deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin B may not be immediately apparent. People may experience extreme fatigue. Some symptoms can include redness, dry skin, and brittle hair. Other common signs include extreme fatigue and a lack of appetite. A deficiency in folate or biotin can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. If left untreated, these deficiencies can lead to serious health problems.
Pernicious anemia is a form of vitamin B deficiency that affects people over 50. It tends to run in families and is more common in people with autoimmune diseases. A healthcare practitioner should order a blood test to determine if the person is suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. People with a history of intestinal or stomach disorders or certain surgeries may also be at risk.
People who are vegans and vegetarians should eat fortified foods that contain sufficient amounts of vitamin B. The deficiency of this vitamin can lead to neurological problems such as impaired memory and vision. People with neuropathy may suffer from difficulty speaking or walking. They may also have permanent damage to their nerves. Infertility is also possible, but treatment is typically necessary. For some people, vitamin B deficiency can even lead to cancer.
Treatment
There are some good reasons why vitamin B treatment should be considered in the treatment of heart disease. It has shown to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death. Supplementation with B vitamins is effective in reducing the levels of homocysteine, a marker of cardiovascular risk. Lowering homocysteine levels, by decreasing the levels of excess homocysteine in the blood, can improve the prognosis for myocardial infarction and stroke.
Various medications and dietary supplements contain vitamin B, which is essential for proper cell function. Deficits can be caused by a lack of vitamin B in the diet or by certain medications. A vitamin B treatment may cure this deficiency completely, but a person must adhere to a proper diet and supplementation to remain free of the symptoms. Vitamin B treatment is not always effective, and may have side effects or cause complications. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a medical professional before using any type of vitamin B supplement or treatment.
0 Comments