TEMPO.CO, Jakarta –Vitamin B12 helps the body keep nerve cells and blood cells healthy. This vitamin also plays a role in forming DNA.
The body does not produce vitamin B12 so it can only be obtained through food and drink intake. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause several health problems ranging from skin problems, poor eye health, and nervous disorders.
There are a number of common signs seen in people who have a deficiency of vitamin B12. The following is a complete explanation as quoted from Times of India.
Paresthesia
National Health Service (NHS) states that if the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be seen in four parts of the body, namely the hands, arms, legs, or the ankle area and below. People with a deficiency of this vitamin can experience some strange sensations in these four areas of the body. This condition is called paresthesia.
However, experiencing paresthesia is not necessarily an effect of a lack of vitamin B12. It can be caused by a number of other conditions such as pressure on a nerve, pinched nerve, neurological disease, reduced blood supply, hyperventilation, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism and many more. Therefore, it is important to carry out tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Glossitis
Apart from paresthesia, glossitis is also a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. According to WebMDglossitis is characterized by fading or even disappearance of the small bumps on the tongue (papillae).
This can happen because a lack of vitamin B12 can make red blood cells produced in abnormally large quantities and not function properly. It is important to know that glossitis can also occur due to other medical conditions such as allergic reactions, dry mouth due to Sjögren’s syndrome, bacterial, fungal or viral infections, certain sexually transmitted diseases, skin conditions that affect the mouth and others.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
Regarding the production of red blood cells, according to the NHS, a condition called vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can also occur due to a lack of vitamin B12. This condition affects the body’s ability to produce normal red blood cells. People with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia have less functioning red blood cells. This is also known as megaloblastic anemia.
Impact on psychology, cognition, and memory
A number of studies link vitamin B12 deficiency to impaired cognition and memory. This is said to be a result of poor myelination, a process that is important for the healthy function of the central nervous system. Therefore, low levels of vitamin B12 can cause irritability, depression, and memory problems.
Source of vitamin B12 intake
As previously mentioned, vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is not made naturally in the body. Some of the best sources of vitamin B12 include beef, pork, poultry, lamb, shellfish, crab, milk, cheese, yogurt and eggs. Cereal type fortified foods can also provide sufficient levels of the nutritional vitamin B1. A number of types of vegetables also contain sufficient vitamin B12, such as spinach, beets and green beans.
Vitamin B12 can also be obtained from supplements. Supplementation helps fill or fill nutritional gaps. Sometimes, the food consumed does not have sufficient nutritional value for general health. That’s when supplements can help. Consult with your doctor whether you need supplements or not.
HATTA MUARABAGJA
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