COBALAMIN (VITAMIN B12)

Cobalamin is Vitamin B_12.  It is needed for brain function, production of our red blood cells and for nerve tissue health.  Deficiency can result when the level of vitamin B₁₂ is low.  It can lead to an irreversible neurological symptom.

Vitamin B_{12 is} a water soluble vitamin, like any other vitamin.  It means that it can dissolve in water and travel to the blood streams.  Our bodies can store vitamin B₁₂ up to four years in the body.  Any excess or unwanted vitamin B₁₂ is excreted from the body thru the urine.  It is the most structurally complicated vitamin.  It occurs naturally in meat products but it can also be produced through bacterial fermentation.  It is vital for red blood cell production and mental processes.

Vitamin B₁₂ can be found in fish such as tuna and haddock.  Some type of breakfast cereals and soymilk are fortified with vitamin B_12.  It is suggested to eat a balanced diet and receive healthful amounts of food before active treatment is required.  Symptoms of deficiency can be avoided with a healthful diet.

Benefits of Vitamin B₁₂:

1.  It is crucial in the normal function of the nervous system as well as the brain.  It helps in the formation of red blood cells and helps in the creation of and regulation of the DNA.

• The metabolism of every cell in the body depends upon vitamin B₁₂ because it aids in the synthesis of the fatty acids and energy production.  It enables the release of energy in order to assist the human body to absorb folic acid.

• The human body produces millions of red blood cells every minute.  These cannot multiply without vitamin B₁₂; its production is low if there is lack of vitamin B₁₂.  This results in anemia, when the red blood cells count drops.

Deficiency Symptoms:

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency occurs when the body does not receive the required amount of the aforesaid vitamin.  It can result in the severe damage to the nervous system and the brain.  Even a slight deficiency of vitamin B₁₂ can cause depression, confusion, fatigue and memory problems.  However, these symptoms alone are not sufficient to diagnose vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

Other symptoms include:  constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Once symptoms escalate, they can include neurological changes such as tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Some people have difficulty in maintaining balance.

Infants with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency may exhibit difficulty in feeding, restlessness, face tremors, reflex problems, irritability, and ultimately growth problem if left untreated.

Vitamin deficiency in adults may cause psychosis, dementia, and mania.  In severe cases, it carries with it permanent nerve damage as well as brain damage.  Insufficient Vitamin B₁₂ can cause anemia, symptoms of which are:  fatigue, shortness of breath, and an irregular heart-beat.  They may also suffer from sore mouth of tongue, weight loss, pale or yellow skin, diarrhea and menstrual problem.

Vitamin B₁₂ may also leave people more susceptible to infection and diseases.