Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is not produced by the body itself. Nevertheless, vitamin B12 has important functions in the body and that is why it is important that you get enough vitamins.
Keep energy levels healthy
For example, you need vitamin B12 for the production of blood and nerves. Vitamin B12 thus helps in the functioning of the nervous system. It is an essential vitamin needed to maintain healthy energy levels.
Food or supplements
Since your body does not make it itself, some people are more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. That is why it is important that you get enough vitamins through food or supplements. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in meat, fish, milk, butter, cottage cheese, yoghurt and eggs.
Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency
The problem is that as our bodies age, your body becomes less able to absorb vitamin B12 from food. That is why 4% of women between the ages of 40 and 59 suffer from a deficiency.
How do you know you have a deficiency? The most common symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency are fatigue and lethargy. You may also experience forgetfulness, pale skin, tingling, anxiety without an obvious cause or blurred vision.
Vegetarians and vegans are also more likely to be vitamin B12 deficient, as they do not eat any animal products.
Consequences of a deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency is insidious and it can take years for the symptoms to develop and become serious. When you suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency, this can have consequences for all kinds of systems in your body, including the nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal system.
If there is not enough vitamin B12 present in the body, these systems will work less well. So if you have any doubts? Make an appointment with your doctor to be sure. A test can be used to see if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
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