sWhen vitamin B12 levels are below the recommended level, the body suffers. Necessary for the proper functioning of the organism, it causes many “headaches” for vegetarians. However, whoever consumes protein of animal origin is not immune from the symptoms associated with the deficiency of this vitamin, the main sources of which are meat, fish, eggs, milk and its derivatives. And in some cases, its lack can be fatal.

“Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, pins and needles, muscle weakness, depression, and cognitive complications such as problems with memory, comprehension and judgment can all be signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency,” says Justine Butler of nutrition charity Alive! health.

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The specialist also reveals that “with age, absorption [de vitamina B12] It decreases in everyone over the age of 50, regardless of diet.” So, he says, “everyone should consider taking a supplement.”

The importance of this vitamin lies in the fact that it is essential and necessary for hematopoiesis, that is, for the synthesis and function of the blood elements formed and for the normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, explains an article on the blog of the Lusíadas Group.

Although rare, there are cases in which vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to death. “It occurs mainly in dementia or paraplegia due to vitamin B12 deficiency and both directly, as in any dementia, and indirectly, due to complications involved in both conditions, such as immobility, pressure ulcers, and infections.”

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