Page 42 - Seniors Today -April20

Health

Are you low in

Vitamin B12?

B12 deficiency is common, especially

in the elderly, as with age it becomes
difficult for the body to absorb this
vitamin, explains Dr Suresh Agrawal

Vitamin B12 also known as Vitamin B12 is naturally found in liver, yeast,
Methylcobalamin. An essential vitamin for fermented foods, spinach, green vegetables
brain, nerves and production of red blood and nuts, but most of it is destroyed by
cells. Methylcobalamin is solely synthesised heating. However, it can also be found in
by microorganisms present in human as meat, dairy and eggs, and in some breads
well as animal gut. Most people will get and plant-based milk that have been fortified
enough of this vitamin naturally through with B12.
their food if they eat a well-balanced diet.
People with higher risk of B12 deficiency
include seniors, strict vegans, diabetics, or
people who have had surgery to remove
parts of their bowel. It is observed that
those who are too fastidious about hygiene,
or prolonged users of acid-reducing
medicines such as Ranitidine, Omeprazole,
Rabeprazole and Pantaprazole, or heavy
consumers of alcohol, are more likely to get
Vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency can
also be caused by not eating enough of these
foods or if your body is unable to absorb it Symptoms such as shortness of breath, or low mood, may
indicate B12 deficiency, so ensure that you ask about this
from the food you eat. on your next doctor’s visit

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