Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products such as meat, milk and eggs. Therefore, vegans need supplementation
Vitamin B12 is very important for the human body and helps to avoid serious consequences. However, since it is found in foods of animal origin, vegans (i.e. people who choose a diet free of any animal products, including milk and eggs) need to pay particular attention to this issue.
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According to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), B12 can attenuate a condition known as an inflammatory storm, caused by an excessive immune response in the body and act as a regulator of this event, by increasing the production of the universal donor molecule of a substance called methyl, capable of inactivating the genes that promote inflammation.
In conversation with the team of canaltechclinical nutritionist Dr. Caroline dos Santos clarifies the importance of vitamin B12, which is found in meat in general, fish, eggs, milk and derivatives: “Taking into account that we only have B12 in foods of animal origin, as a result this audience becomes a risk group for vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.This deficiency can have serious consequences, such as anemia, so a vegan diet needs supplementation.The vegan person needs to seek a professional to do the proper follow up.”
The nutritionist points out that, even so, a vegetarian or vegan diet can be considered safe and healthy, at all stages of life, with the exception of this need to seek supplementation.
What happens if there is a lack of vitamin B12?
The main consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency are anemia and neurological problems. “Anemia because B12 is one of the components responsible for the formation and maturation of red blood cells (erythrocytes),” explains the nutritionist.
“We have forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, tingling, because B12 also participates in the production of the myelin sheath, which is a structure that covers our neurons, so it is very important for the transmission of nerve impulses, when you start to feel sick “, tiredness feeling of numbness, dizziness, blurred vision. It is important to go to a professional to have a checkup and see if the B12 levels are adequate”, warns the specialist.
Beyond vegans: risk groups for vitamin B12 deficiency
Vegans fall into a risk group if they don’t take the correct supplementation, but the nutritionist points out that in order to absorb vitamin B12, we need an intact and healthy gastrointestinal system.
Consequently, people who undergo bariatric surgery, or who somehow affect the stomach or part of the intestine, may have a reduction in this absorption, which highlights the possible need for supplementation. Inflammatory bowel disease and the chronic use of certain drugs such as omeprazole also raise awareness.
“Breastfeeding babies who are vegan need supplementation and remember that vitamin B12 will be passed on to the infant through breast milk. Babies up to six months usually do not need supplementation, because they get it from their mother through breast milk , but if the caregiver wants this child to make a vegan or vegetarian food introduction, this infant will also need to be supplemented with vitamin B12 to ensure that it is not deficient”, indicates the professional.
Vitamin B12 for vegan children
Caroline says vitamin B12 is important at all ages, but especially during infancy, because that’s when the child has a high rate of growth and development. In childhood, if those responsible choose not to offer anything of animal origin, attention should be paid to supplementation, as in addition to anemia, deficiency can lead to low weight and height gain and even a delay in psychomotor development .
Depending on the degree of this deficiency and the symptoms, oral vitamin B12 supplementation for young vegans is not sufficient, so it is necessary to start with supplementation by intramuscular injection, as concluded by the specialist.
Source: with information from mayonnaise clinic, Fiocruz
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Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
