Uzm. Dr. Müge Yetener said that B12 is one of the indispensable vitamins of our body and said, “Its deficiency invites many health problems from weakness and fatigue to nervous system problems, shortness of breath, dizziness and memory problems.”
Acıbadem Bayraklı Medical Center 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 in our body. Emphasizing that B12 is a water-soluble vitamin obtained from the diet, especially from eggs, red meat and dairy products, Uzm. Dr. Yetener said, “B12 is an indispensable vitamin for our body. It is necessary for DNA synthesis. It provides normal nervous system functioning, red blood cell development and maturation. It has an antioxidant effect,” she said.
“The source of vitamin B12 is animal foods”
Stating that it is important and necessary to know the benefits of vitamin B12, which has a very important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and what its deficiency can lead to, Dr. Yetener said, “You should consume animal foods to get the necessary vitamin B12. Protein-rich foods such as red meat, 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 taking animal products in your daily diet.”
Who has vitamin B12 deficiency?
Giving information about people and situations where B12 deficiency is common, Dr. Yetener continued his words as follows “If you are constantly dieting, beware! Deficiency may occur in people who do not eat enough and for a long time. In addition, it may become a common problem in vegetarians who do not eat animal-derived products, those who experience excessive bacterial growth in the intestines after antibiotic use, those who use frequent and long-term stomach medication, young children or pregnant women who do not eat enough, and those who consume excessive alcohol.”
Uzm. Dr. Yetener pointed out that since it is a multifunctional vitamin, its deficiency manifests itself with different symptoms and explained the most common signs and symptoms as follows.
Brain function deteriorates
Vitamin B12 deficiency has a direct negative impact on brain function. Brain fog, memory problems, impaired consciousness, insomnia, headaches (especially migraines), behavioral changes and learning problems can occur.
Negatively affects your mood
Changes in mood such as irritability, depression, anxiety, hallucinations and delusions may occur.
Causes sensory problems
Sensory: Complaints such as pinpricks, tingling sensations, numbness, neuropathic pain, tinnitus, taste disturbances may occur.
Structural problems are seen
Fatigue, anemia, decreased blood cell count, abdominal complaints, malabsorption, growth retardation, weight loss, diarrhea, inflammation of the tongue, inflammation of the mouth and oral cavity, infertility, urinary tract infections are problems caused by B12 deficiency.
Weakening of muscles
B12 deficiency leads to muscle weakness. Muscles contract excessively, become stiff, involuntary spasms occur. Heart muscle diseases can be seen.
Autonomic systems are damaged
Urinary and/or fecal incontinence, low blood pressure when standing up suddenly or dizziness are also health problems that occur when this vitamin is deficient.
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