29/04/2021
B-12 DEFICIENCY
B12 is as water soluble vitamin.
It's not made by the body.
Role of Vitamin B-12 include: The formation of red blood cells.Improves energy levels, athletic performance, cognitive capacity prevents brain damage.Decreases depression ,Maintains eye health,Improves heart health by reducing homocysteine levels,Supports healthy skin, hair and nails.May prevent birth defects.
SOURCES:
Meat,fish eggs,dairy products.
SYMPTOMS:
Skin pallor and yellowing of skin.
Extreme weakness and fatigue.
Sensations of pins and needles due to nerve damage.
Glossitis and mouth ulcers.
Breathlessness and dizziness.
Mood changes: depression, psychosis and irritability.
Some loss in sense of touch, walking and vision problems.
Symptoms of dementia.
Loss of appetite and weight loss.
COURSE:
Occurs due to decreased intake of the vitamin, increased requirements or poor absorption.
Decreased intake :
People in a strict vegan diet
Decreased absorption:
In the elderly especially due to lack of intrinsic factor that aids in B-12 absorption (pernicious anemia).
In people who have undergone surgery involving removal of the section of the bowel responsible for B-12 absorption.
Atrophic gastritis.
People on metformin for diabetes.
People on chronic use of anti-acid drugs and protein pump inhibitors.
PREVENTION:
By eating a balanced diet including meat, poultry, cheese, milk among others.
