Check Vitamin B12 in Your Body

What is Vitamin B12?

The nutrient vitamin B12 is necessary for the creation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and neuron function, among other biological processes. It is the most complex vitamin and is only found in animal products including dairy, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.

How much Vitamin B12 In Your Body ?

The answer is based on your age, your eating habits, your medical history, the medications you take, and other factors.

The typical daily eating, expressed as micrograms (mcg), change by age:

• Babies age 6 months: 0.4 mcg
• Babies ages 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• Children ages 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• 14-18 years: 2.4 mcg
• Adults: 2.4 mcg
• 2.6 mcg per day if pregnant
• 2.8 mcg per day if breastfeeding

Food sources of vitamin B12

 

• Eat a variety of animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
• Choose fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast.
• Avoid overcooking meat and poultry.
• If you are vegan or vegetarian, consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement.

**It is important to note that the amount of vitamin B12 in food can vary depending on the cooking method. For example, boiling meat or poultry can destroy some of the vitamin B12 content.**

The amount of vitamin B12 that you absorb depends on a number of factors, including your age, health status, and the type of vitamin B12 supplement that you are taking.

People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement to ensure that they are getting enough of this important nutrient. Vitamin B12 supplements are available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms.

Dairy products: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of vitamin B12. One cup of milk contains about 18% of the DV for vitamin B12, and one ounce of cheese contains about 10% of the DV for vitamin B12.

Pregnant or new mom?

 

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, talk to your doctor about how to get enough vitamin B12. Without enough vitamin B12, your baby could have developmental delays and not thrive and grow the way they should.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms

 

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. Most people in the U.S. get enough vitamin B12 from their diet, but some people may be at risk of deficiency.

Fatigue,  Weakness,  Pale skin,  Shortness of breath,  Dizziness,  Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet,  Cognitive impairment,  Mood changes .

It is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor if you are feeling any of them. To check your vitamin B12 level and see if you are not enough they can run a blood test.

Your doctor could advise you to take a supplement if you don’t get enough vitamin B12. There are tablet, capsule, and liquid supplements for vitamin B12.

Remember that a vitamin B12 deficiency can be dangerous, especially if it goes untreated. If you have been told you lack vitamin B12, it’s crucial to carefully adhere to the suggested plan of action.

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