Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 Latest News

Vitamin B12 deficiency often first appears as skin changes like hyperpigmentation, dryness, or paleness, indicating poor oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells.

About Vitamin B12

  • It is a water-soluble vitamin. 
  • It is also called cobalamin.
  • It is a vitamin the body uses to make and support healthy nerve cells. 
  • It's also used to make healthy red blood cells and the genetic material inside cells called DNA. 
  • Your body cannot produce B12 on its own, so it must be obtained through foods high in vitamin B12 or supplements. 
  • It is naturally found in animal foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. 
  • It is not present in plant foods unless fortified.
  • The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver. 
  • The body can store vitamin B12 for 2 to 5 years, and it can get rid of any excess or unwanted vitamin B12 in the urine.
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
    • People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet can sometimes have low levels of Vitamin B12. This is because plant foods don't have vitamin B-12.
    • Older adults and people who have had stomach surgery also are at risk because they may not absorb the vitamin as well.
    • People with digestive conditions such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease also are at risk of low vitamin B-12 levels.
    • People with very low vitamin B-12 levels can have symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, stomach problems, nerve damage, vision problems, and mood changes. 
    • They also may have low iron, called anemia, or low blood counts.

Source: TOI

Vitamin B12 FAQs

Q1: Is Vitamin B12 water-soluble?

Ans: Yes, Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin.

Q2: The body obtains Vitamin B12 primarily from which source?

Ans: It is naturally found in animal foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.

Q3: Where is Vitamin B12 stored in the human body?

Ans: Vitamin B12 is primarily stored in the liver.

Q4: Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of what?

Ans: Healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

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