Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin. It plays vital role in brain function and production of DNA and red blood cells. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 6 micrograms per day.

 

Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow vegetarian or vegan diet. In fact, it is thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have deficiency. This is because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods. However, some meat eaters don’t absorb this very well. Unlike other vitamins the absorption of Vitamin B12 depends on protein produced in your stomach, called intrinsic factor, which binds to Vitamin B12, so that you can absorb into the blood. People who do not produce enough intrinsic factor can become deficient.

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Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

 

Vitamin B12 and folate perform several important functions in the body, including keeping the nervous system healthy.

A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, including:

• extreme tiredness

• lack of energy

• pins and needles

• sore mouth and red tongue

• mouth ulcers

• muscle weakness, aches & joint pains

• disturbed, blurred vision

• psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion 

• problems with memory, understanding and judgement

• dry skin

• insomnia

• brittle nails

• vertigo

• breathlessness

• depression & anxiety

• mood changes

• memory loss

• poor dental health & bleeding gums

• infertility

• irritability

• linked to long term dementia

• rosace

 

Some of these problems can also happen if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate but do not have anemia.