Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the most important micronutrients for the functioning of the human body and, paradoxically, one of the most unknown to the general public. Present naturally only in foods of animal origin, its deficiency can go unnoticed for years before serious symptoms appear.
It is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to group B, whose peculiarity is that the human body cannot synthesize it on its own. It must be obtained through food or, in certain cases, through supplementation.
Unlike other vitamins in the same group, B12 is stored in the liver, meaning that its reserves can last for several years before being completely depleted.
What is it for?
Specialists agree that this vitamin performs functions that are essential for life:
Where is it located?
The main sources of vitamin B12 are of animal origin: red meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and dairy products.
This characteristic makes vegetarians and, especially, vegans, a risk group for developing deficiency, unless they resort to fortified foods or specific supplements.
Risk groups and deficiency symptoms
In addition to those who follow diets based exclusively on vegetables, there are other groups vulnerable to deficiency: people over 50 years of age (due to lower gastric absorption capacity), patients with digestive diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, those who have undergone bariatric surgeries and people who take certain medications for a long time, such as some antacids or metformin.
Among the most frequent symptoms of its deficiency are persistent fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, memory and concentration problems, paleness and, in advanced cases, neurological alterations that can become irreversible if not treated in time.
Diagnosis and treatment
A simple blood test can detect the levels of this vitamin in the body. When deficiency is confirmed, the usual treatment consists of oral supplementation or, in more severe cases, intramuscular injections, always under medical supervision.
Nutrition experts recommend not self-medicating and consulting a health professional if a deficiency is suspected, since early diagnosis and treatment prevents complications that could otherwise become permanent.
