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Dr. Janahara Begum
Vitamins are one of the six essential substances for the body. Vitamins also have variations. Vitamins are not limited to fruits and vegetables, some vitamins are also found in animal sources. One such vitamin is B12.
Lack of vitamin B12 can cause forgetfulness, weakness, anemia, dizziness, anxiety, depression, etc. There may be stomach problems, constipation. A vitamin B12 deficiency can also be responsible for sudden tingling, paralysis, or electric shock-like sensations for no apparent reason. Vision may be blurred, one thing may appear to be two. Graying or falling of hair, loss of normal nail color and skin problems also occur. Long-term vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to neurological problems such as walking and balance problems.
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We think anemia means iron deficiency. But many people may not know about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Anemic patients become pale, weak. After a short effort, he gets tired and gasps. Chest may also palpitate.
Who is at risk?
The risk increases with age. Many people often take gas medications, but they can be deficient in vitamin B12. Vegetarians may be deficient in vitamin B12. Women using birth control pills are also at risk. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. People with certain diseases of the stomach and intestines are deficient in vitamin B12.
what to do
Want a balanced diet. Animal ingredients like meat, liver, kidney, milk, eggs contain vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also found in shellfish (aquatic organisms) and marine fish (salmon, sardines). But meat is the best source of vitamin B12. If one does not consume any of these elements at all, one needs fortified foods (vitamin B-12 is added separately to plant foods).
keep in mind
Make sure older people are getting enough vitamin B12 every day. But the demand for vitamin B12 is highest for pregnant and lactating mothers.
* Dr. Jahanara Begum: Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, United Hospital, Kolkata.
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