Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is necessary for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, metabolism and maintenance of healthy nerves. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in only in animal products such as beef liver, pork, red meat, fish, eggs and milk. Strict vegetarians and people who consume poor diets are at high risk for B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause gray hair.
Vitamin B12 and Gray Hair
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins are important for healthy skin, hair, eyes and nerves. B12 deficiency causes unhealthy hair growth leading to gray hair and weak hair. Graying hair occurs when hair follicles are deprived off oxygen-rich blood due to the lack of enough red blood cells and B12 in the body. B12 is needed by the bone marrow for the production of healthy red blood cells.
Other Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause fatigue, weakness, pernicious anemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pale skin, problems concentrating, shortness of breath, red tongue, sore and swollen tongue, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, lack of balance and coordination, numbness and tingling of extremities, loss of appetite and weight loss. B12 deficiency symptoms should be treated as soon as possible so as to prevent complications such as severe dementia, psychosis, problems walking and permanent nerve damage.
B12 Adminstration
The recommended dietary intake of B12 is 2.4mcg for adults. Healthy people who consume plenty of animal foods may not require B12 supplements. Vitamin B12 supplements are more suitable for patients with stomach and intestinal disorders, which prevent the absorption of the vitamin. B12 is absorbed from foods with the help of a stomach protein known as intrinsic factor. Stomach disorders such as stomach cancer affects the release of intrinsic factor, which leads to less absorption of B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are treated using B12 shots, capsules, tablets, liquid and gel. B12 shots are preferred in patients with severe B12 deficiency, because they are absorbed faster and relieve symptoms quickly.
Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplements
Vitamin B12 may cause common side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, pain and redness at injection site, dizziness and headache numbness and tingling. Adverse effects of B12 include severe allergic reactions, blood clots and stroke. Patients with Leber's disease, an eye disorder, should avoid B12 because severe damage to the optic nerve could lead to blindness.
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