Vitamin B 12 or hydroxocobalamin is an especially important vitamin that our body needs when it comes to brain function. Other than that, our body needs vitamin B 12 for keeping our nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B 12 can be found in many foods, but many individuals are still vitamin B 12 deficient. And why is that?
Most of the time each individual presents with different symptoms. The most common symptoms of vitamin B 12 deficiency includes lethargy, weakness, brain fog, unable to concentrate, numbness, anemia, and gastrointestinal-related symptoms. Individuals who omit meat consumption or limit their meat consumption are mostly vitamin B 12 deficiency. Also, individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery become vitamin B 12 deficient.
Vitamin B 12 is synthesized and absorbed in the intestine with the help of intrinsic factors. The intrinsic factor is a protein made by the stomach. In individuals who have chronic gut issues or have undergone surgeries where parts of the intestines have been removed, the absorption of vitamin B 12 decreases which leads to vitamin B 12 deficiency.
To check our vitamin B 12 level in the body, the easiest and most common way is from the blood test.
After seeing your GP, the GP will order a vitamin B 12 test to check the levels. Once the result shows any deficiency, the doctor will prescribe supplements to correct the deficiency. The supplements can be taken either orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The route of taking the supplements depends on each individual’s condition and personal history. If you have bad absorption, you can always choose to take it intramuscularly or intravenously. Normally the treatment takes place for two to three months in most patients but in the end, it really depends on the degree of deficiency.
After the treatment, the doctor will follow up with a blood test to check if the levels are improved. Along with the supplements it is also important to improve your diet and lifestyle.
It is best to always incorporate food rich in vitamin B 12 in your diet such as beef, liver, chicken,
fish, shellfish, fortified breakfast cereal, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs.
Also with sticking to a healthy diet the gut will feel happier, which will make it function better and will lead to better absorption of vitamin B 12 as well.
