“Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children: Your Complete Guide”

2023-05-15 05:00:00


Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi

Monday, May 15, 2023 08:00 AM

Children need proper nutrition and important vitamins for their bodies that help them grow healthy Vitamin B12 One of the most important types of vitamins for children to help their minds and bodies grow.

Not getting enough vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, can make children feel weak and tired and slow their growth and development if left in check. B12 Left untreated, it can lead to rare but serious concerns including brain damage, nerve damage, and other health problems.

Here’s what you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency in children

Q: Why is vitamin B12 important for children?

Vitamin B12 helps keep your nervous system and blood cells healthy. It’s needed for making red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, and DNA, the genetic material in your cells. Vitamin B12 is also important for brain development in infants and young children..

Q: What foods contain vitamin B10?

Meat, including red meat and poultry

-The fish

-eggs

Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt

Nutritional yeast

Q: How do children get vitamin B12 deficiency?

Some children and adults with gut and autoimmune disorders, including pernicious anemia, lack proteins in the stomach that help the body absorb vitamin B12. People who have had stomach surgery may also have trouble absorbing the vitamin..

Children who eat little or no dairy or meat, such as those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, may not get enough of the vitamin from their diet and need a vitamin supplement.

Babies can develop low levels of vitamin B12 if their mothers had low levels of the vitamin during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the fetus synthesizes and stores vitamin B12, which their bodies use in the first few months of life. Therefore, a vitamin B deficiency may not be detected. 12 until the baby is about 4 months old.

Q: What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

It can be difficult to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency in children because the symptoms are vague and it can be due to a variety of causes.

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in babies and children can include:

Fatigue, extreme exhaustion, or lack of movement

Muscle weakness

Stomach problems such as diarrhea, vomiting or constipation

-Weight loss

Delays in achieving developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, walking, talking, etc.

A swollen or inflamed tongue (often known as glossitis of the tongue)

Children can also have megaloblastic anemia, very large red blood cells, or low numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets, which can be seen or found through medical tests.

Q: How is a vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed in children?

Your child’s vitamin B12 levels can be checked with a routine blood test, also known as a complete blood count or complete blood count test, or a vitamin B12 serum test. Your pediatrician can order tests..

Q: How is vitamin B12 deficiency treated?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be treated by eating more foods that contain vitamin B12 or taking a vitamin B12 supplement. There are many brands of vitamin B12 supplements in a variety of doses, so it is important to talk to your child’s doctor to find out what is best for his age and needs..

Doctors can also inject vitamin B12 into your child’s muscles if they are young, have a severe deficiency, or have trouble absorbing the vitamin..

Most of the problems caused by low B12 go away once a child starts treatment and their levels of the vitamin rise. While it is rare, if left untreated, some children with vitamin B12 deficiency may suffer permanent brain and nervous system damage and other health problems..

Q: Are there risks to taking a vitamin b12 supplement?

You should talk to your doctor before you start taking vitamin B12 supplements because it can interfere with certain medications. B12 With medications for prediabetes, diabetes, and medications to help with digestion problems, such as acid reflux.






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