found naturally mainly in animal-derived foods. It is needed for the formation of red blood cells, normal nervous-system function, and DNA synthesis.
Why Is Vitamin B12 Important?
- Nerve Health: Vitamin B12 is involved in maintaining healthy nerves and the protective myelin surrounding nerve fibers. A deficiency can contribute to abnormal nerve sensations and neurological problems.
- Red Blood Cell Production: B12 is necessary for normal red blood cell formation. Deficiency can lead to a type of anemia and symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
- DNA Synthesis: Vitamin B12 participates in processes involved in DNA production and normal cell division.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, and not everyone experiences the same combination. Some symptoms can also have many other causes, so they should not automatically be attributed to B12 deficiency.
1. Neurological Symptoms
Because vitamin B12 is important for normal nerve function, deficiency
