Vitamin B-12 plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells as well as in DNA synthesis, protein and fat metabolism and neurological functions. During nursing, a mother's breast milk provides vitamin B-12 to an infant. Lactating women who do not get sufficient vitamin B-12 may not be able to provide enough of this essential vitamin to their infants.
Daily B-12 Needs
Pregnant and lactating women need more vitamin B-12 than other adults. Pregnant women should get 2.6 mcg of vitamin B-12 each day, and lactating women should get 2.8 mcg of vitamin B-12 per day. Adolescents and adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding need only 2.4 mcg of B-12 per day.
B-12 Sources
Food sources of vitamin B-12 include animal products such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs and dairy products. Foods with the highest amounts of vitamin B-12 per serving include beef liver, with 48 mcg per serving and clams, with 34.2 mcg per serving. Fish such as trout, salmon, haddock and tuna also are good sources. Vegetarians and vegans who eat little or no animal-based foods can get vitamin B-12 from fortified breakfast cereals and dietary supplements. The American Dietetic Association recommends that vegan and vegetarian women take vitamin B-12 supplements during pregnancy and lactation. Consult your doctor or pediatrician for supplement recommendations for you and your infant.
B-12 Deficiency in Infants
Infants get vitamin B-12 from breast milk. Infants fed exclusively with breast milk from women who do not get sufficient vitamin B-12, such as vegan and vegetarian women, may develop vitamin B-12 deficiency. B-12 deficiency in infancy can cause megaloblastic anemia and severe neurological damage, leading to movement disorders and growth and development delays associated with a conditional called failure to thrive.
B-12 Deficiency Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency in adults include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, pale skin and sore tongue. Prolonged vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause neurological disorders, with symptoms such as depression, confusion, memory loss and dementia.
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