B12

Nursing Question 3:

Sources of Vitamin B12 are:

• Mushrooms, grains, nuts
• Dairy products and yeast extracts
• Bread, rice, broccoli and beans
• All of these
• None of the above

Answer:

Option 2 : Dairy products and yeast extracts

Detailed Solution:

Explanation:

• It is a water-soluble vitamin and chemically known as cobalamin.
• Its content in our diet is good for making red blood cells and for the formation of nerves.
• It is very essential for nervous system functioning and DNA synthesis.
• Sign deficiency of vitamin B12 causes tiredness, fatigue, pain in hand and feet, and also memory loss and anaemia.
• High doses of it are not harmful because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Excess of it goes out of the body through urine.
• Vitamin B12 keeps our nerves and bone cells healthy and also helps in making genetic material in the cell.

​Sources:

Bacteria and archaea
Gut microbes
Yeast
Milk and milk products
Liver
Egg
Cereals
Oat milk
🩸

B12 Benefits and Risks

¶ What is B12?

B12 refers to Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, which is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the brain, nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells.

It is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans may need to take vitamin B12 supplements or consume fortified foods to ensure adequate intake.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, depression, and other symptoms, and can lead to long-term neurological damage if left untreated.

¶ Symptoms

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity and may develop gradually over time.

Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin or jaundice
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Depression, anxiety, and other mood changes
• Confusion, memory loss, and dementia-like symptoms
• Soreness of the mouth or tongue, and mouth ulcers
• Digestive problems like nausea, constipation, and loss of appetite
• Changes in vision

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

A simple blood test can help diagnose the deficiency, and your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatments.

¶ Treatments

The treatment for a vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause and severity of the deficiency.

The most common treatments include:

• Vitamin B12 injections: People with severe deficiencies or absorption issues may need regular injections of vitamin B12.

• Vitamin B12 supplements: Oral supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, or drops may be recommended to help correct the deficiency.

• Dietary changes: If the deficiency is mild, increasing your intake of vitamin B12-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products may be enough to correct the deficiency.

• Fortified foods: Consuming foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as cereals, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast, may be a good option for vegetarians and vegans.

• Treating underlying conditions: If the deficiency is caused by an underlying condition, such as pernicious anemia or celiac disease, treating the underlying condition may help correct the deficiency.

It's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and to monitor your vitamin B12 levels over time to ensure they are within a healthy range.

¶ Excessive intake of B12

Excessive intake of vitamin B12 is rare, as the body has a mechanism to excrete excess amounts of the vitamin.

However, in some cases, high levels of vitamin B12 can occur due to certain medical conditions or excessive supplementation.

Symptoms of excessive vitamin B12 intake may include:

• Skin rash
• Acne
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your vitamin B12 levels, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.

They may recommend reducing your vitamin B12 intake or altering your supplement dosage to prevent further complications.

It's also important to note that high levels of vitamin B12 may mask underlying medical conditions, so it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

¶ Shortage of B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common condition that occurs when a person doesn't get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when the body is unable to absorb the vitamin properly.

A shortage of vitamin B12 can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, anemia, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression, and memory loss.

Some of the most common causes of vitamin B12 shortage include:

• Inadequate dietary intake: Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal-based foods, so people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may not get enough vitamin B12 unless they take supplements or consume fortified foods.

• Pernicious anemia: This is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the body destroys the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor, a protein that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, can interfere with the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12.

• Medications: Some medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.

• Treatment for vitamin B12 shortage typically involves supplementation with oral or injectable vitamin B12, depending on the severity of the deficiency.

In some cases, dietary changes or treatment of underlying medical conditions may also be necessary to address the deficiency.

It's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

¶ Natural way to intake b12

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

However, there are some natural ways to intake vitamin B12 for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or who prefer to get their nutrients from plant-based sources.

Some of these natural sources include:

• Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a popular vegan source of vitamin B12 that can be sprinkled on foods or used as a substitute for cheese in recipes.

• Fortified plant-based milk: Many plant-based milk products, such as soy milk, almond milk, and rice milk, are fortified with vitamin B12.

• Fortified breakfast cereals: Many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.

• Tempeh: This fermented soybean product is a good source of vitamin B12.

• Mushrooms: Some types of mushrooms, such as shiitake mushrooms, are good sources of vitamin B12.

• Algae and seaweed: Some types of algae and seaweed, such as nori and spirulina, contain vitamin B12.

While these natural sources of vitamin B12 can help increase your intake of the vitamin, it's important to note that they may not provide enough to meet daily recommended intake levels. For people who have difficulty getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet alone, supplements may be necessary to prevent deficiency.