Do you know that low levels of Vitamin B12 in your body can cause tiredness and mood swings? Vitamin B12 also known as cobalamin is a very essential vitamin. All B vitamins help the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, which gives energy. All B vitamins are water-soluble and are neither produced nor stored by the body.
Vitamin B12 is very crucial during pregnancy. Cobalamin helps in maintaining healthy nerve cells and the production of DNA and RNA. B vitamins are crucial for the development of the foetus during pregnancy.
B Vitamins helps to keep mother and baby healthy and strong. Cobalamin deficiency in an expectant mother can cause anaemia and brain damage. Pregnant women should take a diet rich in B vitamins for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
B vitamins also called B complex vitamins helps in keeping the skin, hair, eyes and liver healthy. They also help the nervous system to work properly. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is not produced by the body. Cobalamin is essential for the functioning of the body. Thus, it’s important to consume food rich in cobalamin to prevent its deficiency. It helps in the cell division and production of genetic materials. During pregnancy vitamin B12 dose is increased for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 tablets or foods should be consumed often as our bodies can’t store them for a long time. Vitamin B12 uses during pregnancy comes with many benefits. It’s very crucial for the healthy development of the baby and well-being of the mother. This helps to prevent birth defects and relieve some pregnancy symptoms. It’s important to take Vitamin B12 supplement and folic acid to boost the immunity of mother and baby.
According to a study, Vitamin B12 reduces the risk of Spina Bifida, palate and rib malformations, kidney abnormalities and fetal weight retardation.
Vitamin B12 helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose, which gives you energy. Vitamin B12 plays a central role in folate metabolism. . Vitamin B12 functions in the production of a material called myelin, which covers and protects nerve fibres. Cobalamin deficiency can lead to irreversible damage to nerves.
Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can pose many risks and complications. Vitamin B12 supplements during pregnancy can prevent various complications.
They are as follows-
Pernicious anaemia is a type of anaemia that happens when stomach cells are not able to make intrinsic factor. It prevents the body from absorbing Vitamin B12. Its Symptoms include weakness, pale skin, diarrhoea, weight loss and memory loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neural tube defects in babies. Its deficiency can cause Spina bifida in babies.
High levels of amino acid homocysteine increase the risk of coronary artery disease. B vitamins, especially Vitamin B9, B6 and B12 help lower homocysteine level. Cobalamin prevents the risk of heart stroke.
Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 tablets can increase energy levels. Methylcobalamin Injections are also beneficial for curing fatigue.
Women who get less folate have higher risk of developing breast cancer. VitaminB12 supplements help in folate metabolism and reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Vitamin B12 daily requirement can increase during pregnancy. During pregnancy women should consume 2.6 micrograms Vitamin B12 per day. For lactating women 2.8 microgram dose is recommended per day. There are two ways of obtaining Vitamin B12. One is by consuming food items rich in the vitamin and second is by taking supplements. Vitamin B12 tablets should be taken as per medical advice.
A point to remember -Vitamin B12 is mostly found in meat, fish and dairy products. Thus, a vegan pregnant lady should talk to a doctor and have a proper vitamin B12 dosage..- HERA
Cobalamin intake benefits include
Vitamin B12 side effects include:
Pregnant women must ensure that their diet consists of food rich in Vitamin B12.These food items help to get Vitamin B12 naturally.
Hera pro tip: If you are vegan and don't use dairy products as well then you can take HERA Prenatal essentials.- HERA
Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any kind of vitamin B12 medicine. If someone has a serious deficiency of cobalamin during pregnancy then injections may also be recommended.
Best supplements are as follows
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is essential for optimal health. Cobalamin is not produced by the body thus it’s necessary to consume Vitamin B12 rich foods. It helps in the formation of red blood and nerve cells in fetus. During pregnancy, women should consume vitamin B12 tablets for a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neural tube defects in babies.