For normal life, the human body needs a variety of substances. And they undoubtedly include vitamins. The usefulness of these organic compounds is difficult to overestimate; without them, not a single person will simply survive. And if for a long time at least one vitamin is not enough, then a person develops a disease called vitamin deficiency. This leads to inhibition of metabolic processes, and to numerous other disorders. Unfortunately, our body cannot independently produce these beneficial substances (the only exception is vitamin K) and we get them from food. Also, some vitamins are produced by microbes that live in our body. And in general, this is enough for the normal life of most people.
Meanwhile, scientists managed to discover many such useful compounds. And in order to make it easier to understand them, all these substances were conditionally divided into certain groups. There is also a group B among them, which includes 11 different water-soluble (easier to digest with some water) vitamins. All vitamins of this group are vital compounds that are involved in all cellular processes. And this fully applies to such a substance as cobalamin or vitamin b12.
Cobalamin enters the human body in the same way as most vitamins - through food. And in the diet of most people, it is present in the required quantities. The only exception is a strict vegetarian diet. After all, this substance is not found in plant foods. Also, some people who have overcome the 50-year milestone lose their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Still difficulties with the absorption of cobalamin are felt by people who abuse alcohol.
And when it is not enough, then certain problems can begin with human health. Deficiency of cobalamin leads to a violation of the formation of red blood cells. And this, accordingly, is fraught with the fact that the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases and the quality of oxygen transfer deteriorates. This condition is called anemia, and it becomes a prerequisite for many diseases. With anemia, a person begins to feel weakness, drowsiness, irritability and increased fatigue. Vitamin B12 is also involved in the neutralization of several harmful chemical compounds. And if their concentration becomes too high, then this can lead to damage to the nervous system, and also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. And the fact that these diseases are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is fully confirmed by numerous observations and experiments.
B12 is a vitamin that is unique in its group. Only cobalamin can accumulate in large quantities in the human body, especially in his liver. But the process of assimilation of this vitamin by the body is very complex. Digestive enzymes with a sufficient amount of stomach acid separate B12 from the proteins that are present in food. Then this vitamin combines with the protein secreted by the cells of the lining of the stomach. And then this compound enters the small intestine, where it is safely absorbed. And so over the years, reserves of cobalamin are created in our liver. And from there, it is already dosed distributed throughout the body as necessary. This "warehouse" on which vitamin B12 is "stored" is roomy enough, and in order to completely "empty" it, it will take several years.
And when the "reserves" of this vitamin come to an end, it must be replenished. The reason for this "shortage" may be the elderly person, as well as diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcers and others associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Even patients who take medications for epilepsy, gout, or heartburn can also be deficient in this vitamin. Therefore, it is advisable for people in this risk group to take vitamin b12. Instructions for use and dosage of this drug are on its packaging. But it is best to take this vitamin after consulting with your doctor.
And b12 is available in the form of capsules, tablets and lozenges. And a regular tablet contains 50-100 micrograms of this vitamin. This amount is enough to prevent cobalamin deficiency. But if a person has pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, or he feels tingling and numbness in the limbs, as well as for the prevention of heart disease, this dose should be increased to 1000 micrograms per day. There may be other causes of this vitamin deficiency. And, first of all, it is necessary to establish these causes, and then already begin to take the doses of B12 prescribed by the doctor.