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A vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by malabsorption, which is most
common in elderly people and in those with digestive disorders. Deficiency can cause abnormal
gait, chronic fatigue, constipation, depression, digestive disorders, dizziness, drowsiness,
enlargement of the liver, eye disorders, hallucinations, headaches, inflammation of the tongue,
irritability, labored breathing, memory loss, moodiness, nervousness, neurological damage,
palpitations, pernicious anemia, ringing in the ears, and spinal cord degeneration. Strict
vegetarians (vegans) must remember that they require vitamin B1212
Sources
The largest amounts of vitamin B12 are found in brewer's yeast, clams, eggs,
herring, kidney, liver, mackerel, milk and dairy products, and seafood. Vitamin B
12 is not found in many vegetables; it is available only from sea vegetables, such as
dulse, kelp, kombu, and nori, and soybeans and soy products. It is also present in the herbs alfalfa,
bladderwrack, and hops.
Comments
Anti-gout medications, anticoagulant drugs, and potassium supplements may block the absorption
of vitamin B12 from the digestive tract. Vegetarians need supplements of
vitamin B12 because it is found mostly in animal sources.
LINKS TO ONLINE STORES
Vitamin B12 is needed to prevent anemia. It aids folic acid in regulating the
formation of red blood cells, and helps in the utilization of iron. This vitamin is also required
for proper digestion, absorption of foods, the synthesis of protein, and the metabolism of
carbohydrates and fats. It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity. In addition, vitamin B
12 prevents nerve damage, maintains fertility, and promotes normal growth
and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings. Vitamin
B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that
assists memory and learning.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Vitamins Index
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MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics Index
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