Vitamin B 12 complex is water soluble vitamin containing cobalt. This complex plays a vital role in metabolizing protein, forming red blood cells and regulating functions of nervous system.
Vitamin B12 complex is usually found in Soya products, fish, poultry, tuna, seaweeds, algae, clams, beef, salmon, chicken and pork. Dairy products are the richest source of B12 complex.
Apart from regulating the functions of nervous system and forming red blood cells, B complex also helps in syntheses of DNA during cell division. If individuals don’t consume the required amount of Vitamin B 12 complex, then B 12 deficiency occurs.
Deficiency of vitamin B 12 complexes often leads to chronic disorders such as liver or kidney disease and alcoholism. Vitamin B12 is a key vitamin for DNA synthesis and neurological functions and decreased level of this vitamin tends to affect the normal functioning of the nervous system. Lack of B12 interferes with the process of fat metabolism in the body and affects the insulating sheath of the nerve called myelin, resulting in nerve degeneration and neurological damage.
The most common symptoms include hypotension, vision problems, muscle weakness, incontinence, psychoses, and mood disturbances. These symptoms can either be curbed by incorporating B12 enriched food sources in the diet or by taking medicines such as phenytoin, metformin and methotrexat.
The deficiency of Vitamin B 12 complex in children causes macrocytic anemia. This disorder is responsible for producing improper red blood cells and decreasing the rate of oxygen transportation. Symptoms include diarrhea, tingling of hands and feet, low appetite, paleness, short breath, fatigue, weakness and sore mouth. Prolonged deficiency can also lead to mental disorder and contribute to the onset of Alzheimer disease.
The deficiency also causes various hematological and neuropsychiatry disorders including impaired memory, dementia, irritability, depression and psychosis.
Vitamin B12 complex perform various vital life processes. So, it is essential to fill the nutrition requirement in the body through various fortified food sources or through multi vitamins.