As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
[1] People who regularly take medications that suppress stomach acid for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease—such as proton-pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or other antacids—may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food.
Some conditions that affect your intestines can also stop you absorbing the necessary amount of vitamin B12. For example, Crohn's disease, a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, can sometimes mean your body does not get enough vitamin B12.
Maintain gut health
Boosting cobalt supplies and fortified meals is essential, but so is increasing absorption power. This is where gut health comes into play since it is important for proper vitamin and nutrient absorption. Vitamin B12 gets absorbed in the stomach, thanks to a protein known as intrinsic factor.
Your intestines absorb vitamin B12 from food. A protein your stomach makes called “intrinsic factor” helps your body absorb it.
As summarized in the table provided, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and utilization by the body can be compromised with the chronic use of certain medications which include: colchicine, chloramphenicol, ethanol, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), metformin, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Furthermore, caffeine interferes with the metabolism of certain B vitamins, including thiamine. However, because caffeine increases stomach acid secretion, it actually boosts the absorption of vitamin B12.
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness. feeling faint.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.
Try to avoid taking your vitamins with coffee or tea
So, wait an hour after your morning brew to take supplements. Caffeine-free herbal tea, on the other hand, contains fewer tannins than regular tea.
Digestive diseases: Diseases that affect the digestive system, like Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can prevent your body from fully absorbing vitamin B12. Surgery: People who have gastrointestinal surgery, such as a gastric bypass (weight loss surgery), can have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
Some beverages, including coffee, contain substances that could interfere with the absorption of some of the nutrients in your vitamin. It's better to drink your coffee about 15 minutes before or a few hours after you take your vitamin.
Low levels of vitamin B-12 can be caused by: Diet. Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in meat, eggs and milk, so people who don't eat these types of foods may need to take B-12 supplements. Some foods have been fortified with B-12, including some breakfast cereals and some nutritional yeast products.
Yes, as B vitamins and magnesium don't compete for absorption inside your body. Indeed, many supplements combine them as a way of simplifying how you monitor your intake. Vitamin B and magnesium work in tandem to: promote normal function of the nervous system and normal psychological function.
Mild vitamin B12 deficiency in otherwise healthy individuals can result from dietary patterns that result in insufficient dietary intake of animal source foods including strict vegetarian and vegan diets, or can be caused by changes in stomach function resulting from aging and/or pharmaceutical use [12].
Vitamin B12
As a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.
“Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is in the morning, so it won't affect your sleep.
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don't get enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well. Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including depression, joint pain, and fatigue.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to neurological symptoms, such as: numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. problems with thinking and memory. confusion.
Vegetables– Usually, most vegetables contain some amount of Vitamin B12, but there are some Vitamin B12 foods for vegetarians that contain a very high amount of Vitamin B12 namely- Spinach, Beetroot, Potatoes, Mushrooms, alfalfa, and others.
Blueberry is another fruit with high vitamin B12 rich fruit. Blueberry contains many antioxidants that keep our health and skin pure and healthy.