A deficiency of vitamin B12 may cause pernicious (destructive) anemia. It may lead to a poor appetite and retardation of growth in children, chronic fatigue, a sore mouth, a feeling of numbness or stiffness, loss of mental energy, and difficulty in concentration.
Deficiency of vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin affects every cell in the body, but is most severely felt in the tissues where the cells normally divide rapidly, as in the blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow and in the gastrointestinal tract. The nervous system is also affected and this may lead to degeneration of nerve fibers in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Smoking brings down the levels of vitamin B12 in our body.
Vitamin B12 healing properties
Vitamin Bl2 is administered orally in doses from 6 to 150 mcg. Taken in these doses, it helps in the treatment of lack of concentration, fatigue, depression, insomnia, anorexia, loss of weight due to deficiency of this vitamin, and poor memory. As this vitamin is difficult to assimilate when taken orally, most doctors administer it in the form of injections ranging from 100-1,000 mcg if used for therapeutic purposes.
There are no known toxic effects of vitamin B12 even when it is taken in mega doses.
Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamine is extremely essential for the proper and normal functioning of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), production and development of red blood cells, and for the utilization of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
It is crucial for concentration, a good memory, and maintaining balance. The recommended dietary allowance (R.D.A.) is 3 micrograms per day.
Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Deficiency of vitamin B12 results in:
- Lack of concentration.
- Fatigue and weariness.
- Loss of energy.
- Poor appetite.
- Depressive state.
- Insomnia or sleeplessness.
- Poor memory.
- Certain types of anemia.
For the treatment of deficiency disorders, large doses of 50 micrograms of the vitamin become necessary. The guidance of a doctor is recommended before starting such large doses and during the course of the medication.
Rich sources of vitamin B12 include:
- Organ meat – liver, kidney.
- Meat.
- Milk.
- Banana.
- Peanuts.
Step up the dietary intake of these foods.