They may also want to speak with their own primary care provider about their own B12 requirements. In a person that has an absorption problem and those who follow a strict vegetarian diet and do not eat any meat products B12 deficiencies may develop. There are two effects from this, first it decreases the amount of gastric juices produced and secondly this increased bacteria actually compete for the available amount of B12. Anemia can cause a variety of medical problems such as deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate and iron. Once released it will now combine with a substance called intrinsic factor (IF) which is easily absorbed in our intestinal tract. Vitamin B12 is one of these nutrients that are transferred at this time. As we know B12 must combine with IF to be absorbed into the system. For vegetarians fortified breakfast cereals are an excellent source. The solution to this problem is usually an injection of B12 to get levels to where they should be followed by supplementation to maintain them. These symptoms are very general in nature and can be the result of many other medical conditions. If you have gastrointestinal disorders you could be B12 deficient due to reduced ability to absorb nutrients. Also people that have undergone gastrointestinal surgery such as removal of part of the stomach may result in the loss of cells responsible for the manufacture of IF. It is estimated that about 30 of people over 50 years of age have this. It is also essential for healthy nerves and red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is a name given more than a century ago to a then fatal form of anemia caused by gastric atrophy. Your doctor should always monitor this treatment. This causes the normal absorption process to be hindered.VITAMIN B12: WHAT IS IT Vitamin B12, sometimes referred to as cobalamin, is used by our bodies in the production of DNA which is the genetic material found in all of our cells. In light of this it is suggested that mothers who follow a strict vegetarian diet consult with their pediatricians about B12 supplementation for their infants and children. This condition prevents gastric cells from secreting intrinsic factor (IF). Unfortunately this damage is often severe and irreversible. We get vitamin B12 from animal products that we eat. WHO MAY BE B12 DEFICIENT Most people in the United States get their recommended daily requirement of B12 from the foods that they consume. The body normally stores several years of supply. People with this condition are able to absorb synthetic B12 such as those found in fortified foods and supplements. Symptoms can be very subtle and start with reduced cognitive function followed by anemia and dementia. B12 is bound to the proteins in the foods that we eat and is released by hydrochloric acid during the digestive process. Anemia is a condition in which or red blood cells have an insufficient amount of hemoglobin to do this. Deficiencies of this vitamin are rare in infants but can occur when the mother herself is deficient and does not have the proper reserves. This is something to be concerned about because if a deficiency goes undetected and untreated in an infant it can lead to neurological damage. Symptoms of an anemia can be weakness and fatigue. One example of this is when the mother is a strict vegetarian and has an inadequate supply of B12 to pass on to their infant. These two sources of B12 are believed to be the best for people over 50 years of age. Atrophic gastritis is a condition in which one has increased intestinal bacteria. In cases like this a deficiency of B12 can develop in a matter of months after birth. PREGNANCY AND VITAMIN B12 Brass Cartridges Suppliers Nutrients are transferred from the mother to the fetus through the placenta during pregnancy. Some common conditions that may cause this are Cohns Disease and celiac disease. . The majority of people with this deficiency are those with underlying stomach or intestinal problems. If you or someone you know are having these symptoms it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional who can prescribe the proper treatment plan. Some of the more common sources are fish, eggs, poultry, meat and milk products. This is also one of the nutrients infants receive from their mothers during breast feeding. WHO ELSE MAY BE AT RISK OF B12 DEFICIENCY? Hemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen to our tissues and cells.
