New Delhi, December 15 (IANS). The human body is made up of many nerves and cells, which need vitamins and minerals to function smoothly.
Although every vitamin present in the body has its own essential function, but Vitamin B12 is essential for both the nerves and cells of the body. It helps in functioning of nerves from heart to brain.
Vitamin B12 is very important for the human body. It also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, DNA, development of brain and nerve cells. The thing to keep in mind is that the body cannot supply Vitamin B12 on its own. That is, the body does not make vitamin B12 and there are very few vegetarian sources of it. Therefore, Vitamin B12 deficiency is most commonly seen in vegetarian people.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be detrimental to the overall health of the body. Its deficiency can cause feeling of weakness, dizziness, fever due to frequent fatigue, pain in the nerves of the head, persistent headache, ulcers in the mouth and tongue, and weak memory. If Vitamin B12 deficiency persists for a long time, the veins of the body start becoming weak and the blood also becomes thick.
Now the question is how much Vitamin B12 is required. The daily dietary requirement for every adult is 2.4 micrograms, while pregnant women require 2.6 micrograms and lactating mothers require 2.8 micrograms. Vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12 are very few and care has to be taken to ensure its proper absorption in the body. For this, things like milk, curd, butter, cheese should be consumed. These things come directly from animals. Additionally, use fortified cereals and soy milk.
If you are a non-vegetarian, then Vitamin B12 is available in abundance in your diet. If the deficiency of Vitamin B12 is not being fulfilled through diet, then definitely take supplements on the advice of the doctor because ignoring the deficiency of Vitamin B12 is inviting major diseases in future. Timely checkup, right diet and awareness are important.
–IANS
PS/AS