A Healthy Dose Of Vitamins

Author

Shell Point Retirement Community

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Shell Point Retirement Community

Posted on

Aug 31, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

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Vitamin B12 is an critical vitamin for the human body’s complete health. The vitamin aids the body’s functions that are responsible for making red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and other functions. Not getting enough of this vitamin can be harmful to your health.

Vitamin B12 cannot be synthesized by the body; instead, it must come from food or supplements. Foods such as meat, eggs, poultry, dairy, and other animal products contain this important vitamin.

According to a case study by Massachusetts General Hospital, a deficiency of vitamin B12 may develop slowly, causing symptoms to intensify over time. These symptoms can include:

  • Strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
  • Difficulty walking
  • Anemia
  • A swollen, inflamed tongue
  • Yellowed skin, or jaundice
  • Difficulty thinking and reasoning, or memory loss
  • Paranoia or hallucinations
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue

If you are over the age of 50 or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor. A blood test can determine if your vitamin B12 levels are low. Prevent vitamin B12 deficiency could be as simple as taking a daily multivitamin, but always consult your doctor before making changes to your daily medication and vitamin intake.

Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780

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