Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for human life, and is necessary to the healthy function of nerve and blood cells. It is also involved in the creation of DNA. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious health problems.
Sources
Vitamin B12 is obtained mostly from animal products. Meats, fish, poultry, dairy and fortified cereals contain vitamin B12.
Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes many conditions, including anemia, depression, weight loss, numbness and tingling of the feet and hands, dementia and weight loss. Symptoms of B12 deficiency in children include anemia, failure to thrive and developmental disorders.
Vegans
Vegans do not eat animal products so they must take B12 supplements to avoid a deficiency.
Infants
Breastfed infants risk B12 deficiency if their mother is a vegan. Children do not have stores of B12 built up and will quickly become deficient.
Absorption
An illness such as Crohn's disease can prevent proper absorption of vitamin B12 by the body. As people age, their ability to absorb B12 is also reduced.
RDA
According to the National Institutes of Health, the Recommended Daily Allowence (RDA) of vitamin B12 for healthy adults is 2.6 mg. Pregnant or breast feeding women need 2.8 mg (see Resources).
Tags: animal products, Vitamin deficiency, weight loss