For the body to function properly, you must consume nutritious food. Consuming fruits and vegetables daily provides essential vitamins, proteins, minerals, and micronutrients to the body. Doctors say Vitamin B-12 is a very beneficial nutrient for the body, and everyone should pay attention to its fulfillment through diet. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to the risk of many types of health problems.
In a recent research conducted by the Institute of Ayurveda, a team of scientists said that a large number of youth are becoming deficient in this essential nutrient. About 50 percent of the youth are suffering from its deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B-12 in the body can lead to physical and mental health disorders.
Let us know whether a deficiency of this nutrient in the body can lead to the risk of some kind of health problems.
Decreasing levels of Vitamin B-12 in youth
The team of researchers reported that people aged 18 years and older need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 through diet per day, but most people are not able to meet it. The risk of Vitamin B-12 deficiency is seen to be higher, especially among youth who consume vegetarianism.
The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, and DNA, and carry out other functions. Like most vitamins, the body cannot produce B12 on its own, so it is recommended to consume foods rich in it.
Problems caused by Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Researchers said, most of the people who have been found to have low levels of Vitamin B-12 are complaining of numbness and pin-like pricks in their hands. Apart from this, this condition can also increase the risk of difficulty in walking, severe pain in joints, pale complexion and difficulty in breathing.
According to a Harvard report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, in severe conditions, vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause problems like depression, confusion, memory loss, and loss of taste and smell.
Its deficiency even in pregnant women
Research has said that the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency is seen in more than 50 percent of pregnant women. This can affect the health of the fetus as well as the mother. Low levels of vitamin B-12 can also put a child at risk of developmental problems. However, during regular checkups during pregnancy, all women are advised to consume Vitamin B like other supplements.
Vegetarians may be at risk
The deficiency of this vitamin can be easily fulfilled by foods like meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products, which is why vegetarian people may be more prone to deficiency. People who have undergone weight loss surgery are more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. For vegetarian people, dairy products can be considered an effective option to fulfill this nutrient.
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