Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a type of vitamin and, like other types of B vitamins, is a water-soluble vitamin. It takes part in many metabolic activities, especially DNA synthesis, nervous system, red blood formation and immune system.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
• Skin Symptoms
• Hyperpigmentation (darkness in certain areas)
• Jaundice
• Vitiligo
• Gastrointestinal (digestive system) Symptoms
• Glossitis (pain, pain, redness in the tongue)
• Hematological (Blood) Symptoms
• Anemia (macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia: MCV is high)
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell)
• Pancytopenia (lowness in all blood cells)
• Thrombocytopenia (reduction in platelets responsible for clotting)
• Thrombocytosis (increase in platelets)
• Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
• Areflexia (inability to get a reflex)
• Cognitive weakening (dementia and acute psychosis-like symptoms)
• restlessness
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of balance
• Decreased sense of smell
• Peripheral neuropathy (symptoms due to damage to the hand-foot nerve sheaths)
Benefits of vitamin B12
• It creates DNA, one of the building blocks of cells.
• Contributes to the protein synthesis process.
• It ensures the production of new cells and prevents aging.
• Converts carbohydrates to glucose, reduces fat and increases energy
• Strengthens the central nervous system, repairs nerve cells
• Strengthens the immune system
• May prevent Forgetful, Alzheimer's and Dementia diseases
• Helps prevent anemia
• May prevent major birth defects
• May support bone health and prevent osteoporosis
• May reduce the risk of macular degeneration (yellow spot) eye disease
• Prevents or can reduce the effects of depression
• Beneficial for the digestive system
• Protects the body against cardiovascular diseases
• Helps to regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol
• Prevents the risk of stroke
• It is one of the basic needs of hair, skin and nail health.
• May protect against breast, colon, prostate, lung cancers