We All Need These Vitamins - Vitamin B12 And Folacin

During the last years the vital importance of vitamin B12 and folacin (folid acid) for our health has become more obvious. Perhaps you have also heard that folacin is important during pregnancy. Deficiency can cause severe damages to the fetus. In the USA and other countries one has added synthetic folacin to prevent damages to the fetus.

Also B12 is of importance as both vitamins are interacting to have an effect. Both vitamins have great importance even in other cases. The risk of developing dementia are for example bigger if you suffer from a deficiency of one of these vitamins.

Vitamin B12 and folacin are important for every cell of the body. B12 and folacin interact in vital functions of all cells. For example they are necessary for the cells to divide and grow in a normal way. That is why they are of great importance for the growing foetus.

The first symptoms of deficiency can also come from the cells that divide too fast, for example blood cells and the cells of mucous membrane. The symptoms will result in a type of anemia often combined with a read tongue and shear mucous membranes in the mouth.

Both vitamins are also necessary for the nerve system to function well, for the nerve cells and for the signal substances that transmit the nerve impulses. If not treated this kind of deficiency can cause permanent damages of the nerves.

A deficiency may occur as a result of an inability to absorb B12 from food and in strict vegetarians who do not consume any animal foods. As a general rule, most individuals who develop a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12.

Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorder is subtly reduced cognitive function resulting from early B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia follow later.

Characteristic signs, symptoms and health problems associated with B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Deficiency can also lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Additional symptoms of B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory and soreness of the mouth or tongue.

Many of these symptoms are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions other than vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to have a physician evaluate these symptoms so that appropriate medical care can be given.

Vitamin B12: Essential To Body And Mind

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, and consistent deficiencies can have serious repercussions in terms of both physical and mental health. As with most nutrients, it’s best to get vitamin B12 from foods, but better to use supplements than to be lacking. However, there are plenty of excellent sources of vitamin B12 to choose from, even for vegetarians. (Vegetarian diets to be extremely low in B12.)

This remarkable vitamin plays a number of very important roles in the health of the body and the functioning of the brain. Vitamin B12 contributes to our very foundation, as it helps in the process of making our DNA. It is also necessary to red blood cells and to keeping nerve cells healthy and functioning as they should. The smooth performance of the brain requires sufficient amounts of this nutrient on a regular basis.

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 can result in a host of health problems. Mental clarity can fade, leaving confusion, anxiety, dementia, and even depression in its stead. Without this nutrient, nerve health can deteriorate, and between that and the dysfunction that lack can cause in the brain, balance can be affected, and other neurological symptoms can appear. Skin problems can erupt, mouth sores and tongue difficulties can occur when there is an ongoing lack of this vitamin. Babies who do not get enough Vitamin B12 may suffer significant developmental delays and even fail to thrive. These are just a few of the problems that can occur without the correct amount of B12 in the diet.

Animal-based foods are one of the most commonly consumed sources of Vitamin B12. These include meats of various sorts, milk, milk products such as cheese and yogurt, and eggs. For those who are vegetarians of varying degrees – ranging from standard to vegan – there are a wide variety of cereals to choose from that are fortified with B12. Wheat germ also has some B12. For those who completely eschew animal products of any type, taking a supplement is a good idea.

Taking the time to learn about nutrition and to try to make sure that the required daily income levels are met is an easy way to help ensure that you are as healthy as possible. Vitamin B12 is an important part of the list of essential nutrients that should be consumed daily, serving to build and strengthen the body and keep the brain working as well as it was meant to.