Vitamin B12 Ke Kami Se Kya Hota Hai
Introduction
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins required by the human body to function correctly. It plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 is found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. However, some people may not get enough vitamin B12 from their diets, leading to a deficiency. In this article, we will discuss what happens when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body.
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body doesn't get enough vitamin B12 to function correctly. The deficiency can be caused due to various reasons, such as inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, or increased excretion. The deficiency can lead to various health problems, such as anemia and neurological damage.
Anemia
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the formation of red blood cells. When there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, the red blood cells produced are larger than normal and are not able to function correctly. This condition is called megaloblastic anemia. The symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
Neurological Damage
Vitamin B12 is also essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to neurological damage, which can cause various symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, it can also lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by various factors such as:
- Inadequate Dietary Intake: People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency as the vitamin is primarily found in animal-based foods.
- Poor Absorption: Some people may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from their diets due to various reasons such as gastrointestinal disorders, surgery, or medication use.
- Increased Excretion: Some medical conditions such as kidney disease can lead to increased excretion of vitamin B12 from the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures the levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency involves taking vitamin B12 supplements, either orally or through injections. In some cases, dietary changes may also be recommended to increase the intake of vitamin B12.
Prevention
Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency involves ensuring an adequate intake of the vitamin through diet or supplements. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet can also get vitamin B12 from fortified plant-based milk and nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin required by the body for various functions. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to various health problems, such as anemia and neurological damage. It is essential to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B12 through diet or supplements to prevent deficiency and its associated health problems.