Vitamin B12 Deficiency - How to Fix it and Different Types of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in various bodily functions. It's necessary for the making of red blood cells, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, weakness, neurological problems, and even anemia.

Top 4 Reasons Why is Vitamin B12 so Important to our body?

1. Nerve Function: It's vital for maintaining healthy nerve cells. Most of tingling feelings in our limbs is caused by Vit B12 deficiency.
2. Red Blood Cell Formation: It contributes to the production of healthy red blood cells, preventing anemia, iron is not the only culprit of anemia, Vitamin B12 also has a a role to play.
3. Brain Health: Essential for cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation. Deficiency can contribute to depression, confusion, and can lead to dementia.
4. Energy Production: Helps convert food into usable energy. This is most important in women due to fluctuation in hormonal cycle. Most important reason why women feel exhausted during periods.

How to deal with Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

1. Increase dietary intake of Vit B12: Consume foods rich in vitamin B12, such as Meat, Fish (salmon, sardines), Eggs, Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt),Fortified plant-based milk and cereals.
2. Vitamin B12 Supplements: Take a high-quality vitamin B12 supplement after consulting with your healthcare provider. They may recommend Vitamin B12 of different types to deal with your personal need.
3. Vitamin B12 Injections: If you have severe deficiency or cannot absorb the vitamin through diet and supplements, vitamin B12 injections may be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
4. Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect a vitamin B12 deficiency, consult with your doctor to rule out other underlying conditions. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused due to certain medications and gastrointestinal issues.

Understanding Different Types of Vitamin B12 Supplements

I thought that Vitamin B12 or Vitamin B12 Complex are same things but apparently its not true. Most of us as kids were from time to time given B Complex to eat incase of mouth ulcers or after an bacterial infection, it did not occur then or even recently that Vitamin B 12 Supplement itself comes in four types, mostly 2 types are prescribed Cyanocobalamin and Methyl cobalamin.

1. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic version of vitamin B12 that's commonly used in supplements and fortified foods. While it's less expensive than methyl-B12, its bioavailability is lower due to the presence of cyanide, which can be toxic in high amounts.
2. Methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that's found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. This form of vitamin B12 has been shown to have greater bioavailability compared to synthetic forms like cyanocobalamin. Methyl-B12 is also considered more stable and less likely to degrade over time.

Self medication is not recommended, trying to improve your diet should be the first option, yet if you feel the need consult your healthcare provider.