June 2, 2022

DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN B12 –SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM EFFECTS

VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, especially DNA and red blood cell synthesis and regulation.

It also regulates fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the body needs it for energy production and Central nervous system function. Vitamin B12 is the most extensive and structurally complicated vitamin. The B12 structure is based on a corrin ring, similar to the porphyrin ring found in heme. Vitamin B12 cannot be produced by Fungi, plants, and animals (including humans).

The Human body doesn’t make vitamin B12; we get it from animal-based foods or supplements. Only bacteria and archaea have enzymes for synthesis, although animals can convert it to the version they need. It may be produced industrially only by bacterial fermentation synthesis. Animal sources include dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry. Studies suggest that up to 20% of people over the age of 60 are deficient in vitamin B12 due to the ability to absorb B12 from food declines with age. Vegetarians and persons on a vegan diet are also at a high risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to Anaemia and has short-term and long-term effects on human health.

The short-term effect leads to symptoms such as Fatigue, Weakness, tiredness, Pale skin, Gastrointestinal issues, Heart palpitations and shortness of breath, Headache, Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness & Vision loss. Mental issues like behavioral changes.

Depending on the person’s age, Long-term B12 deficiency may increase the risk of various health problems or conditions. These can be depression, memory loss (dementia), cardiovascular disease and Neurological damage, nerve damage, damage to the spinal cord & neurological problems that affect mental health.

J. Mitra & Co. offers diagnostic test kits for Quantitative determination of Vitamin B12 levels in Human Serum, Vitamin B12 Quanti Microlisa. The Elisa test kit is indigenously developed with a user-friendly test procedure, good precision, and accuracy in test results.

Considering the above facts, it is vital to go for a diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Levels in the Blood as an early diagnosis can help prevent long-term complications.

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