INTRODUCTION:
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient that has a crucial impact on multiple physiological processes. This vitamin is hydrophilic and is classified as a member of the B complex group. It plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells, the proper functioning of nerves, and the creation of DNA. Insufficient consumption of Vitamin B12 supplements in Pakistan can result in significant health complications, hence it is imperative to guarantee sufficient intake via diet or supplementation.
Advantages of Vitamin B12:
1. Hematopoiesis: Vitamin B12 is essential for the process of hematopoiesis, which involves the creation of red blood cells responsible for oxygen transportation in the body. Inadequate levels of vitamin B12 impair the correct functioning of red blood cells, resulting in anaemia, weariness, and weakness.
2. The function of the nervous system: Vitamin B12 supplements is necessary for the synthesis of myelin, the lipid material that envelops and safeguards nerve fibres. Vitamin B12 insufficiency can result in peripheral neuropathy, characterized by paresthesia and muscle weakness in the extremities.
3. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, which is the process of creating the genetic material that carries the instructions for all cellular operations. An insufficiency of vitamin B12 can hinder the process of DNA synthesis, resulting in complications with cellular growth and division.
4. Mood Regulation: Vitamin B12 supplements in Pakistan is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood. Vitamin B12 shortage can result in sadness, anxiety, and mood fluctuations.
5. Vitamin B12 aids in reducing blood homocysteine levels, which are linked to a heightened susceptibility to heart disease and stroke.
6. Vitamin B12 has the potential to prevent age-related macular degeneration, a disorder that leads to vision loss in older individuals.
7. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining the health of the skin, hair, and nails. An insufficiency of vitamin B12 can result in dermatological issues, alopecia, and fragile nails.
8. Cognitive Function: Vitamin B12 has the potential to enhance cognitive function and lower the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources of Vitamin B12 in Food:
Vitamin B12 is predominantly present in animal-derived foods, such as:
1. Animal flesh (beef, pork, lamb)
2. Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
3. Poultry refers to domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys.
4. Dairy items, such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
Vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 consist of:
Cereals that have been fortified with more nutrients. Plant-based milk that has been fortified with additional nutrients. A type of yeast that is rich in nutrients
Vitamin B12 insufficiency may arise as a result of:
1. Inadequate nutrition, Impaired absorption (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)
2. Heightened demand (e.g., during pregnancy, lactation)
3. The process of getting older: Specific drugs, such as metformin
Indications of Vitamin B12 Deficiency :
1. Fatigue
2. Debility
3. Vertigo
4. Emotional fluctuations (such as depression and anxiety)
Conclusion:
Vitamin B12 supplements in Pakistan a vital nutrient that is crucial for multiple physiological processes in the body. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 can result in significant health complications, hence it is imperative to guarantee sufficient consumption via food or supplementation. Vitamin B12 can be obtained via animal products and plant-based options that have been fortified with this nutrient. Deficiency and risk factors encompass inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption, heightened physiological requirements, the ageing process, and certain pharmaceuticals. Common indications of vitamin B12 deficiency encompass fatigue, weakness, dyspnea, and alterations in mood.