Is Vitamin B12 Good For You? A lack of this nutrient can lead to symptoms such as pale skin and slight yellow tinge. Red blood cells become too large for the body to absorb and can be broken down into smaller particles. Excess bilirubin results, which causes the skin to appear orange-yellow. If you’re not getting enough B12, there are ways to make up for the deficiency.
One of the main reasons that a vitamin B12 deficiency occurs is due to a lack of stomach acid. This acid is needed to liberate B12 from food. As a result, as many as 10-30% of adults over 50 have trouble absorbing vitamin D from food. People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid may have a harder time absorbing this nutrient. These include H2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors. Also, antacids can slow the production of stomach acids.
While it’s true that B12 is naturally found in animal foods, it is important to supplement your diet with fortified food to avoid deficiency symptoms. Taking B12 supplements can be an excellent option for pregnant women and vegetarians alike. Not only is this vitamin essential for the fetus’ neurologic development, it can help prevent birth defects and other serious conditions. When you’re worried about your health, check with your primary care physician to determine your vitamin B12 level.
Although it is generally safe to take a B12 supplement, your doctor may recommend you follow a specific diet to prevent a B12 deficiency. Some vitamins can be too toxic for your system. For example, the liver can reject B12 in large amounts and cause symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to follow a nutritional plan and get the right amount of B12 for your needs.
If you’re pregnant, it’s wise to consult your doctor to get an accurate vitamin B12 level. This will prevent many problems, including anemia, which can make you feel weak and fatigued. You can also ask your doctor to test your blood for vitamin B12 levels. You may be surprised to learn that your doctor can even supplement this important nutrient in your body. If you’re pregnant, it’s essential to get a vitamin B12 test done before you start your pregnancy.
The National Library of Medicine recommends that blood tests be performed to determine if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, a blood test can be misleading, and it may be related to a false-positive result. Some women may not even be aware they’re deficient in vitamin B12 and may be unaware of it. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, consult your primary care physician.
It’s important to get enough vitamin B12 in your diet, as it’s vital for many bodily functions. It keeps the brain healthy and helps metabolize energy. While most of us get plenty of B12 from food, people who eat a vegan diet may be at risk of deficiency. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure that your body gets enough B12 every day.
When you’re not getting enough vitamin B12 in your diet, it’s important to seek medical advice. A doctor can check your blood to see if you’re deficient in B12, as well as your overall vitamin intake. Your doctor will be able to diagnose whether you’re deficient in vitamin B12 by looking at your blood’s homocysteine levels. Moreover, a low level of vitamins can lead to damage to the nervous system. If left untreated, it can even be fatal.
Vitamin B12 is naturally present in milk and eggs, and can also be found in fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and some plant-based milk. The vitamin is essential for human survival, and a lack of it may lead to various health problems. If you’re a vegan, you’ll need to supplement with a specialized food that contains this vitamin. It’s also essential to know that some forms of vitamin B12 may be dangerous to your baby.
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