B12 Research Paper

The B vitamins are an essential part of our functioning immune system. It is important for health reasons to get a healthy amount. Many people don’t know when they are deficient in a B vitamin. B12 specifically has a major affect on individuals who are deficient. Did you know that almost 40% of Americans are B12 deficient?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin whose main function is to regulate normal functioning of the brain, nervous system, and formation of red blood cells and proteins. There are 8 B vitamins. In every cell in the human body B12 aids in the metabolism.

Vitamin has multiple roles essential for the body. Besides the major roles . B12 also helps keep the cells myelinated with fatty proteins. The myelin sheath surrounds nerves and acts as an insulator. When B12 is low axons aren’t myelinated which is why there are neuron problems associated with B12 deficiency. …show more content…
You’re body needs to absorb B12 to make red blood cells. A protein released by the stomach called intrinsic factor helps absorb B12. The body will attack the intrinsic factor and prevent absorption when a person has b12 …show more content…
First examine your diet. If you have a diet lacking in meats and dairy it would be wise to be taking a supplement of B12. Major symptoms of the disorder are weakness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath, pale skin, numbness, problems walking, and memory loss. Other associated symptoms are smooth tongue, constipation, diarrhea, vision loss, and mental problems. Long term affects of B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage. Some symptoms may include change in memory (dementia), loss of balance, loss of sensation in feet and hands, and depression. While not all symptoms may be present to be diagnosed with the deficiency, having 3 or 4 symptoms will increase the