Micah Stanley
Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Symptoms
Are you exhausted, tired, feel listless, weak and could you sleep all the time? No, you are not sick, but you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. PraxisVITA shows various symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
The effect of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolic processes for cell division and cell growth and participates in blood renewal and the formation of DNA (hereditary substance). It is also necessary for the nervous system for the formation and regeneration of nerve fiber sheaths. Vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed through the intestine. Instead, it must first combine with the substance secreted by the gastric mucosa, the intrinsic factor. The daily requirement for an adult is 3 micrograms.
The signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency usually only appear after a few years, since vitamin B12 can be stored in the body for up to three years.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can occur with worm infestation, hepatitis, long-term use of antibiotics, and alcohol and nicotine abuse.
Especially people with gastrointestinal complaints, but also vegan people are mostly affected. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods, which makes it difficult for vegans to take, as they avoid this diet.
In the case of an ailing stomach, there is initially an intrinsic factor deficiency and, as a result, a vitamin B12 deficiency. Even with heartburn, many sufferers take an acid blocker that supports the development of vitamin B12 deficiency. Not only is the formation of gastric acid blocked, but also the formation of intrinsic factors, which is so important for vitamin B12.
