Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is important for cell division and blood formation as well as for the function of the nervous system. Mammals are not able to produce vitamin B12 themselves. Vitamin B12 is produced in nature by microorganisms – especially bacteria.
In humans, vitamin B12 accumulates primarily in the liver and kidney. The natural need for vitamin B12 is covered by eating meat. Plants contain at most traces of vitamin B12. Bacteria that produce vitamin B12 are also found in the human large intestine. However, this synthesis is not sufficient to meet requirements and the vitamin produced there is mainly excreted in the stool.
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults may include:
Tingling and cold sensation in hands and feet,
exhaustion and feeling of weakness,
concentration problems
anxiety and panic attacks
psychosis with hallucinations
manic or depressive moods
personality changes
dementia
Various disorders of excretion in the urine and pathological changes in the blood can also be detected, as well as neuropathy (disease of the nerves).
The healthy person builds up reserves in the liver. But a laughing gas anesthesia at the dentist alone eats up to 70 percent of the body’s B12 reserves. If you drink too much, a B12 deficiency is almost certain. Alcohol damages the stomach lining. This is where stomach acid is produced. If it is missing, the body cannot dissolve the B12 from the food.
More information in the book “Bye bye, booze!“
