Vitamin B 12 Supplement – Do You Need It?
Vitamin B12 deficiency may affect just about anyone; some groups of people, however, are particularly susceptible. A deficiency of Vitamin B 12, also known as Cobalamin, generally manifests as a neurological dysfunction. Some other symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, numbness and tingling of hands and feet, shortness of breath and fatigue, weakness and a sore mouth and tongue. So, if you have a known risk for a deficiency of this vitamin, adding vitamin B 12 supplements to your normal diet is recommended.
Vegans
Vegans are strict and pure vegetarians who don't eat even eggs and dairy. That eliminates all sources of naturally occurring Vitamin B12. Therefore vegans are more prone to develop vitamin B12 deficiency, although this usually happens over many years.
Conditions Causing Mal-absorption
People who suffer from malabsorption conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth in intestines or tapeworm infestation, should consider a vitamin B 12 supplement. Mal-absorption of this vitamin can also occur as a result of pancreatic disease, gastrointestinal surgery or some prescription medication. Since naturally occurring Vitamin B12 is not being absorbed by the intestines, a deficiency may occur.
Reduced Levels of Intrinsic Factor
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs due to vitamin B12 mal-absorption resulting from the inability of the gastric parietal cells to produce intrinsic factor, a crucial component in the adsorption process. People suffering from pernicious anemia need a high level of either oral vitamin B 12 supplement (1000 mcg a day) or vitamin B12 injections.
Elderly
Older people may have a atrophied stomach lining which may make the absorption of Vitamin B12 difficult. They are likely to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency and should take a vitamin B 12 supplement regularly.
Helicobacter pylori infections
Also a common cause of ulcers and gastritis, an infection with this bacteria is reported to increase the risk for vitamin B12 deficiencies in adults. H. pylori damages stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor, necessary for normal vitamin B12 absorption.
A medical trial on patients who suffered from a vitamin B12 deficiency showed that 56% were also infected with H. pylori. Out of these, 40% of the respondents showed an improve in vitamin B12 levels in their blood after the bacteria were eliminated. People who suffer from such infections should take a vitamin B 12 supplement and have their vitamin B12 levels monitored.
HIV/AIDS
Patients infected with HIV have been found to have low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. It is not very clear if the deficiency is the cause or the result of AIDS.
Psychiatric disorders
A high percentage of patients who suffer from psychiatric disorders have been found to have a vitamin B12 deficiency and should take a vitamin B 12 supplement. A very low level of vitamin B12 is also associated with a higher risk for severe depression.
Post Menopausal Women
Medical research has indicated that post menopausal women who have very low vitamin B12 consumption also run an increased risk of getting breast cancer.
Alcoholics
Although alcoholics may have normal circulating levels of Vitamin B12, their body stores of Vitamin B12 are low. This may be related to low intake of this vitamin.
Pregnant women
Although the levels of Vitamin B12 may be low during pregnancy, this doesn’t always translate into a deficiency. Vitamin B 12 supplements may be prescribed if a real vitamin B12 deficiency is medically detected.
Vitamin B12 supplements are proven efficacy in correcting symptoms on Vitamin B12 deficiency. These supplements not only rectify the consequences of the deficiency, but they also prevent the condition from progressing further.