What is vitamin B12 for and what does it help with?

Vitamin B12 intake standards for humans.

The content limits and amount of a given vitamin are usually assessed by its amount in serum and blood plasma. Deficiency for an adult can be defined as limits below 170-250 pg/ml or 120-180 picomol/l. It should also be taken into account that data on the amount of B12 in serum may not correctly reflect its content inside cells. The second factor of deficiency may be a high level of hemocestin in the serum with levels of more than 13 µmol/l. Vitamin B6 and folate levels may also influence this factor. A more reliable sign of vitamin B12 status may be a high level of methylmalonic acid (more than 0.4 µmol/l), since it shows metabolic changes, which in turn are very specific to B12 deficiency.

Recommended amount of vitamin B12.

All recommended intake rates differ by gender and age of a person. RP-recommended admission. The average daily norm is sufficient to meet the needs of almost all healthy people (97-98%). It is recommended that these values ​​be used for dietary therapy. AP-adequate intake. The estimated level that should be sufficient to meet nutrient requirements. This value is established when there is not enough scientific justification to establish the RP.

What to do if side effects occur

The main side effects of vitamin B12, which are usually associated with exceeding recommended doses and require specialist intervention, are:

• excessive irritability;
• cardiovascular disorders;
• allergic manifestations;
• pulmonary edema;
• pain in the chest;
• thrombosis and obstruction of vessel walls;
• anaphylaxis.

These conditions are dangerous for patients and therefore require certain treatment. First, you should consult a doctor. Once hypervitaminosis is detected, all vitamin supplements and preparations are discontinued. Patients need to drink more and more often, induce artificial vomiting several times to cleanse the stomach, and then take activated charcoal (1 tablet per 1 kg of weight). Similar measures are recommended for minor and one-time overdose; they are repeated until the patient’s condition returns to normal.

A different approach is required in cases where hypervitaminosis B12 negatively affects the functioning of the patient’s internal organs. In such a situation, a thorough diagnosis is carried out, specific drug therapy and diet are prescribed. Only adequate correction of the diet in accordance with the patient’s daily needs can bring the vitamin content back to normal and restore the functioning of the body.

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The daily requirement for B12 for adult patients is 3.3 mcg, and for pregnant women it increases to 4 mcg. Vegetarians, smokers, sweet tooths, alcohol abusers, the elderly and women taking oral contraception also need increased vitamin intake.

What does Vitamin B12 contain?

B12 vitamin products.

In its natural form, B12 is found mainly in products of animal origin, for example: pork, beef, lamb, chicken, and other poultry meat, all kinds of fish, eggs, milk derivatives and milk itself, beef liver. In plant products, as a rule, this vitamin is absent However, for people who do not accept the consumption of animal products in their diet, this substance can be obtained from Breakfast cereals enriched with this vitamin in a bioavailable form. This vitamin is also sometimes found in nutritional yeast. If you need to determine whether it is present in the products you purchase, read the labels.

Sources in products:

Vitamin B12 in the form of preparations.

It is present in almost all available multivitamin complexes. There are also mono supplements containing it alone. There are also various combinations of B12 with other substances, such as folic acid or other B vitamins.

These drugs are also sold in the form of sublingual tablets (absorption occurs under the tongue). There is currently no evidence that they are any more effective than regular, swallowable tablets. Prescription forms are usually prescribed to treat B12 deficiency. They can be in the form of drugs entering the human body through the nose.

What are the benefits of vitamin B12

Cobalamin is rich in unique properties. The benefits of vitamin B12 for the human body are confirmed by numerous medical studies by world scientists.

Beneficial properties of vitamin B12:

• activates forces;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• produces energy reserves in cells;
• prevents memory loss, dementia (used for Alzheimer's disease);
• improves memory, concentration (recommended for school-age children);
• during AIDS, supports brain function;
• eliminates anemia;
• improves appetite (useful for children's development);
• restores the reproductive system;
• promotes the formation of blood cells;
• restores the psyche;
• fights stress, insomnia;
• promotes normal liver function;
• saturates cells with oxygen (necessary for hypoxia).
• speeds up metabolism;
• improves fat metabolism in the liver;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• takes part in the formation of DNA, as well as the membranes of nerve cells.

Vitamin B12 in the blood is useful for the normal functioning of organs. Lack or excess is harmful and indicates the emergence of abnormal processes.

If the body does not receive enough of the valuable properties of this element, a person will begin to experience various ailments, which will lead to serious diseases. A deficiency of the substance is harmful to health and can lead to anemia, mental imbalance, multiple sclerosis, and paralysis.

Important! You should consult your doctor before taking vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 for women

The benefits of vitamin B12 for women are enormous, especially if pregnancy is planned. This substance is part of a group of elements that provide positive chemical reactions at the molecular level. Women need two forms of the substance: cyanocobalamin and hydroxycobalamin, the properties of which ensure the breakdown of complex ones and the absorption of simple ones. The presence of substances helps in conceiving and bearing a child. Their benefits are in strengthening the bones of postmenopausal women, i.e. When hormonal disruptions begin, calcium reserves decrease.

According to experts, the benefits of cyanocobalamin for women after 40 are invaluable. The beneficial properties of the compound help maintain physical fitness. To start the process of burning fat, the body waits for a signal from the brain, the activity of which decreases when there is a deficiency of a valuable element and, accordingly, the rate of breakdown of fat deposits slows down.

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Using vitamin B12 on the face helps women fight age-related changes: moisturizes the skin, eliminates pallor and pigmentation. The vitamin is often included in age-related cosmetics: masks, creams.

The benefits of vitamin B12 for hair are its complex effects on hair health and growth. Thanks to the use of the properties of a valuable compound, you can notice changes:

• hair loss is reduced;
• growth accelerates;
• hair follicles are restored;
• dandruff disappears;
• natural shine appears.

A mask with vitamins B6 and B12 is an excellent hair treatment. Useful properties makes them thick and shiny.

Vitamin B12 for men

Cyanocobalamin is called the main men's vitamin, which is beneficial for health. A lack of this compound harms men's health, leading to depression, loss of strength, infertility, and impotence. If a man has decreased energy, productivity, or lost interest in the intimate sphere of life, then it is necessary to increase the useful reserves of the element. Its beneficial properties will restore a positive mood, heart health, concentration, and attention. A deficiency of the compound is harmful: it worsens the quality of male semen, low sperm motility, causes erectile dysfunction, and can lead to impotence and infertility. It is necessary to increase the dose of cobalamins and the beneficial properties of the element will solve sexual problems.

Vitamin B12 for children

Cyanocobalamin is beneficial for children's bodies.

Its beneficial properties contribute to:

• appetite;
• full growth;
• eliminating irritability;
• increasing concentration and memory.

In the first years of a child’s life, the beneficial properties of the element are necessary for the production of red blood cells. Lack of compound is harmful and leads to anemia.

Important! The benefit of this valuable compound is the development of the baby’s brain and full growth. It is necessary in the treatment of cerebral palsy and Down's disease.

Diseases and vitamin B12

Some facts that scientists have been able to establish about the impact this vitamin has on human health.

Heart diseases.

Taking medications with vitamin B12, B6 and folic acid does not eliminate the possible risks of developing heart disease. These studies were conducted against the backdrop of the fact that scientists believed that these substances may have an effect on the cardiovascular system due to the fact that they reduce the levels of hemocestin in the blood, this compound directly affects the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Dementia.

Over the years, usually, the proportion of homocestin in the blood increases greatly, and a person may develop dementia. By taking the right amount of B12, B6 and folic acid, homocestin levels can be lowered, but there is no evidence that this can prevent dementia.

Body energy and ability to improve athletic performance.

It is not uncommon to come across advertisements that say that B12 can have a positive effect on the production of additional energy in the body and, as a result, can improve athletic performance. However, there is no scientific basis for this.

Vitamin B12 and medications.

Just as the vitamin itself can influence some medications, they can also influence the amount of vitamin B12. People who use these drugs should check the status of vitamin B12 in their body.

• Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin).

This is a bacteriostatic antibiotic. There is evidence that it may influence the response of red blood cells to excess vitamin B12 in some people.

• Proton pump inhibitors.

These drugs are used to combat acid diseases of the stomach (gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcers). They can reduce the absorption of the vitamin into the body from food, slowing down the release of stomach acid. Data on this matter are contradictory, and experts advise monitoring patients over a longer period of time to identify the effect of proton pump inhibitors on the quantitative content of B12.

• H2 receptor antagonists

Histamine H receptor antagonists used to treat peptic ulcers can interfere with the absorption of B12 from foods, reducing the rate at which hydrochloric acid enters the stomach. It has not been proven that they can contribute to the condition of B12 deficiency.

• Metformin

A hypoglycemic drug prescribed to patients with diabetes reduces the absorption of vitamin B12. Apparently this is due to the fact that when taking this drug, intestinal motility changes and bacterial growth increases. Some evidence suggests that 10 to 30 percent of people taking metfarmin have decreased absorption of vitamin B12. A 4.3-year randomized, placebo-controlled study found that patients with type 2 diabetes taking metfarmin had a 19% reduction in B12 levels and a 7.2% increase in the risk of developing a deficiency of this vitamin. Some scientists argue that this effect can be reversed by supplementing with calcium. Not everyone agrees with these conclusions.

Vitamin B12 and proper nutrition.

The main recommendations are that all the necessary substances for the human body should be obtained from food. With the right diet or nutrition plan, a person can receive all the necessary components, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc.

Fish and red meat, poultry and eggs are excellent sources of vitamin B12.

General recommendations for creating the right diet. The diet should include:

1. All kinds of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skim milk and milk products, butters.
2. Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin B12. A large number of breakfast cereals are fortified with this vitamin.
3. All kinds of protein foods (seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products)
4. Limit the amount of saturated and trans fats, sugar and salt in your diet.

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Vitamin B12 deficiency in women

Insufficient concentration of this component is the most common deficiency. It most often develops in old age or in vegetarians who do not consume animal products.

Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency in women

The main causes of component deficiency are insufficient concentration of the vitamin in foods or problems with absorption. The following categories of people are at risk:

• patients after surgical treatment of the intestinal tract, during which part of the intestine had to be removed;
• elderly;
• vegetarians;
• taking medications, for example, metamorphine if there is an excessive concentration of sugar in the body, antacid medications.

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Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in women

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in women may take several years to appear. Also, the problem of diagnosis is that there is no universal sign that can be used to determine a lack of B12. Analysis of blood cells also does not guarantee an accurate diagnosis.

Doctors identify the following signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in a woman’s body.

1. Pale skin with a yellowish tint. Jaundice is also present on the cornea of ​​the organs of vision. This is explained by a decrease in the synthesis of red blood cells. Insufficient concentration of the vitamin in a woman’s body leads to the formation of unnaturally large blood cells that cannot penetrate the circulatory system. As a result, the skin loses its pink tint.
2. Fast fatiguability. Develops due to anemia. When the number of red blood cells decreases, the functionality of most body systems suffers. When playing sports, the effectiveness of training decreases. Lack of oxygen in muscle tissue prevents the full potential from being realized. Oxygen is required to obtain energy from food. In case of its deficiency, the woman’s body is not able to obtain sufficient resources from food.
3. Tingling sensation. Occurs as a result of damage to bone marrow cells. B12 takes part in the protection of nerve cells.
4. Impaired coordination of movement. It is explained by damage to the nervous system, which leads to motor dysfunction. This symptom is more likely to occur in older people or vegetarians.
5. Inflammatory process in the tongue area. The affected organ changes color, discomfort occurs when moving. The tongue swells and becomes redder. Small tubercles with taste buds disappear, and the surface of the organ becomes smooth. One of the early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in women.
6. Attacks of dizziness often occur during physical activity. It is explained by an insufficient amount of oxygen in the tissues. For a similar reason, shortness of breath occurs periodically. However, not in all cases these symptoms indicate problems with vitamin B12. Dizziness and shortness of breath are a concomitant symptom of many diseases.
7. Deterioration of visual acuity. Explained by damage to optical nerve tissue. This symptom can be completely eliminated if treatment is started in a timely manner.
8. Depression, depressive syndrome. It is characterized by an increase in homocysteine ​​in the body, which damages the brain and negatively affects the distribution of nerve impulses. Depressive syndrome also appears in many other diseases. To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is strongly recommended to visit a doctor.
9. A rare symptom is elevated body temperature. Doctors cannot explain how this is related to the reduced concentration of vitamin B12.

Consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency for the female body

Component deficiency is a serious disease that requires timely detection and treatment. Ignoring the disease or the wrong course of therapy can provoke complex consequences:

• malignant neoplasms;
• development of hepatitis and cirrhosis, which cannot be completely eliminated:
• in childhood, with a low concentration of B12, the risk of cerebral palsy increases;
• dermatitis;
• progression of bone and joint tissue diseases;
• radiculitis.

How to compensate for vitamin B12 deficiency in women

This component is found in food products of animal origin. These are, for example, red fish, chicken, duck, eggs, and dairy products. Women are prescribed sports nutrition, various protein shakes, and breakfast cereals.

Replenishing the deficiency first of all implies a balanced diet. It is required to add the following food products to the standard menu:

1. Beef kidneys up to 80 g daily.
2. Mackerel.
3. Two eggs.
4. Trout.
5. 200 ml whole milk.

Important! For vegetarian women, breakfast cereals high in vitamins and plant-based milks are suitable.

The patient is also prescribed intramuscular injections. This technique allows you to eliminate symptoms in a short period of time and compensate for the lack of B12 in the body. There is a low risk of an allergic reaction.

Women are prescribed vitamins with a high content of this component. For vegetarians, doctors prescribe up to 2000 mcg every 7 days. When consuming vitamins, you additionally need to take probiotics, which support the microflora in the intestinal tract. If you follow a diet in combination with injections, you can compensate for the deficiency of B12 in a short time.

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