The importance of vitamin B12 and Folacin has become more evident in recent years. Perhaps you have heard of the benefits of B12 and Folacin during pregnancy. Folacin deficiency can cause severe damage to the fetus. In the USA and other countries, synthetic Folacin has been added to prevent damage to the fetus.
B12 and Folacin are both important vitamins that have a synergistic effect. They are both important for other things as well. For example, they can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. If you are deficient in either of these vitamins, you are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
The benefits of B12 and Folacin are essential for every cell in the body. B12 and Folacin interact in vital functions of all cells, such as cell division and growth. This is why they are of great importance for a growing fetus. The first symptoms of deficiency can come from cells that divide too fast, such as blood cells and mucous membrane cells. The symptoms will result in a type of anemia, often combined with a red tongue and shear mucous membranes in the mouth.
Both vitamins are also essential for the proper function of the nervous system, including nerve cells and the neurotransmitters that transmit nerve impulses. If left untreated, this kind of deficiency can cause permanent damage to nerves.
A B12 deficiency can happen when someone has trouble absorbing the vitamin from the food they eat or if they’re a strict vegetarian and don’t consume any animal products. Usually, the underlying cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency is a stomach or intestinal disorder that makes it hard to absorb the vitamin. Sometimes, the only symptom of these disorders is slightly reduced cognitive function because of an early B12 deficiency. Anemia and dementia are later symptoms.
The most common and well-known symptom of a B12 deficiency is anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness and slowed mental processing. However, other problems associated with this vitamin deficiency include constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss.
B12 has many benefits, one of which is the prevention of neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the extremities, a common symptom of B12 deficiency. Other symptoms of a B12 deficiency include trouble with balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory recall, and soreness in the mouth or tongue.
While these symptoms are general and can indicate a number of vitamin deficiencies or other medical conditions, it is always best to see a physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
