Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist and Functional Medicine Practitioner Dr. Müge Yetener reminded that vitamin B12, also known as ‘cobalamin’, is a complex biomolecule that plays a vital role in important biochemical reactions that occur in our body.
Emphasizing that B12 is a water-soluble vitamin obtained from the diet, especially eggs, red meat and dairy products, Specialist Dr. Yetener said, “B12 is an indispensable vitamin for our body. It is necessary for DNA synthesis. It ensures normal nervous system functioning, red blood cell development and maturation. It has an antioxidant effect.”
“ANIMAL FOODS ARE THE SOURCE OF VITAMIN B12”
Dr. Yetener, who stated that knowing the benefits of vitamin B12, which has a very important role in maintaining the normal function of the brain and nervous system, and what its deficiency can lead to, is important and necessary to protect our health, said, “You should consume animal foods to get the necessary vitamin B12. Protein-rich foods such as red meat and chicken, seafood such as salmon, sardines, tuna, offal such as liver, kidney and spleen, dairy products and eggs are rich sources of B12. You should not neglect to take animal products in your daily diet.”
WHO IS OBSERVED WITH VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY?
Providing information about people and situations where B12 deficiency is frequently seen, Dr. Yetener continued his words as follows: “If you are constantly on a diet, be careful! Deficiency can occur in people who do not eat enough and for a long time. It can also become a common problem in vegetarians who do not eat animal products, those who have excessive bacterial growth in their intestines after using antibiotics, those who use stomach medication frequently and for a long time, young children or pregnant women who do not eat enough, and those who consume excessive alcohol.”
Specialist Dr. Yetener, pointing out that since it is a multifunctional vitamin, its deficiency manifests itself with different symptoms, explained the most common signs and symptoms as follows.
BRAIN FUNCTIONS ARE DISTURBED
Vitamin B12 deficiency directly affects brain functions. Brain fog, memory problems, impaired consciousness, insomnia, headaches (especially migraines), behavioral changes and learning problems may occur.
IT NEGATIVELY AFFECTS YOUR MOOD
Mood changes such as irritability, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions may occur.
CAUSES SENSORY PROBLEMS
Sensory: Complaints such as stinging, pins and needles, numbness, neuropathic pain, tinnitus, and taste disturbances may occur.
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS ARE SEEN
Fatigue, anemia, decreased blood cell count, abdominal complaints, malabsorption, developmental delay, weight loss, diarrhea, glossitis, inflammation in the mouth and mouth, infertility, urinary tract infections are the problems caused by B12 deficiency.
MUSCLES ARE BECOMING WEAKER
B12 deficiency causes muscle weakness. Muscles contract excessively, become hard, and involuntary spasms occur. Heart muscle diseases may occur.
AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS ARE DAMAGED
Urinary and/or fecal incontinence, a drop in blood pressure when standing up suddenly, or dizziness are health problems that occur due to the deficiency of this vitamin.
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