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VITAMIN B12 (COBALAMIN) – Stimulates Growth Of R.B.C. Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin is soluble in water and is destroyed by alcohol, estrogen, sleeping pills and sunlight. When sufficient quantity of gastric juice is not present, then there is poor absorption in the intestine and deficiency of Vitamin B12 occurs. Calcium and protein rich food help in the absorption. Large quantities Vitamin B12 can be stored in the liver. Functions of the body
For the proper functioning of the Central Nervous System and for the production and regeneration of R.B.C., Vitamin B12 is essential. It increases appetite and promotes growth in children.
It aids body- building by proper utilization of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It relieves irritability and improves balance, concentration and memory. This vitamin carries out the metabolism of folic acid and it is also involved in other vital processes. Only a sufficient quantity of Vitamin B12 and folic acid can help the cells of the bone marrow mature into active disease fighters.Sources
Mostly foods of animal origin are rich in sources of Vitamin B12. Vegetarians are therefore advised to drink lots of milk or take supplement of Vitamin B12. The valuable sources of Vitamin B12 are dairy products and eggs, liver, meat and shrimps.
(R.D.A. – Men – 1mcg, Women – 1mcg, Children – 0.2 –1mcg, Infants – 0.2mcg) Deficiency Symptoms
Destructive anemia maybe caused when there is a deficiency of Vitamin B12. This can further lead to chronic fatigue, numb or stiff feeling, poor concentration, loss of mental energy, poor appetite, sore mouth and retarded growth in children. Every cell in the body is affected if there is deficiency of Vitamin B12, but it is severe in bone marrow and gastro intestinal tract. The nervous system is also affected. Healing and Therapeutic Properties
When taken orally this vitamin is difficult to assimilate and so it is mostly administered in the form of injection. Anorexia, depression, fatigue, poor concentration, poor memory, loss of weight and sleeplessness can be treated with this vitamin. 1. Anemia – Pernicious anemia can be treated satisfactorily by administering injection of Vitamin B12 until the hemoglobin level is restored to normal. Much of the vitamin is excreted in the urine so the doses given are in excess. Degeneration of the cord, which is a disorder of the spinal cord, is also treated in similar fashion.
2. Smoking – Non-Smokers have higher level of Vitamin B12 and folic acid than smokers. Smokers with pre-cancerous cell in the lung section, when administered with Vitamin B12 and Folic acid supplements showed less pre-cancerous changes. Precautions
Even when Vitamin B12 is taken in mega doses there is no toxic effect.
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