What you need to know about Vitamin B12

Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Or do you have problems like tingling in your limbs or forgetting things quickly? Although there are many reasons for these things, one of the main reasons may be a lack of vitamin B12 in your body. So today, let's talk about everything about this vitamin B12, which is essential for our body.

Simply put, what is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs several very important functions in our body. Think of our body as a complex machine. The parts of this machine need various things to function properly. Similarly, vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy functioning of two major parts of our body.

1. Nervous System: Vitamin B12 helps keep our brain, spinal cord, and the network of nerves throughout our body healthy. Like the insulation around electrical wires, vitamin B12 helps create a protective covering (myelin sheath) around nerves. If this is lost, there can be problems with the transmission of messages through the nerves. This can lead to things like numbness in the limbs and memory loss.

2. Red Blood Cell Production: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our bodies. If we don't get enough B12, the red blood cells that are produced become large, abnormal cells and cannot function properly. This condition is called Megaloblastic Anemia . This can cause weakness, fatigue, and sometimes even difficulty breathing.

We usually get this vitamin from animal foods like meat, fish, milk, and eggs. But for some people, food alone is not enough. Or, even if you get it from food, your body cannot absorb it. That's when a doctor tells you to take vitamin B12 in the form of pills or liquid.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking vitamin B12

Although vitamin B12 is generally safe, there are a few things you should definitely tell your doctor before you start using it, as it may interact with other medical conditions you may have.

If you have these things, definitely say so:

• If you are allergic: If you have previously had an allergy to vitamin B12, the mineral cobalt, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Leber's disease: This is a rare, inherited eye disease that affects vision. If you have this disease, taking vitamin B12 may worsen your condition.
• If you have low iron or folic acid: If you have low iron or folic acid in your body, tell your doctor about it as well.
• Other anemia conditions: Especially conditions like `Megaloblastic anemia`.
• If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is very important to inform your doctor about this even while breastfeeding.

How do you use this medicine?

Vitamin B12 usually comes in the form of tablets, sublingual tablets, liquid, or injections. If your doctor has prescribed an oral form, keep these things in mind.

• Take the correct dose: Use only the amount and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Read the instructions on the label carefully. Never increase the dose at will.
• With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience slight stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. If this happens, take it with food.
• If given to children: If this is given to children, it should only be done on the advice of a doctor. There are special precautions for it.

What happens if you take too much?

If you suspect you have taken more vitamin B12 than you think, don't panic. The first thing to do is call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

We can forget to take our medicine at the same time every day, right? If we forget, take it as soon as we remember. But if it is almost time for our next dose when we remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.

Side Effects & Interactions

Like any medication, vitamin B12 can have minor side effects. It can also interact with other things you take.

Interactions with other things

There are several things that can affect the function of vitamin B12.

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol frequently can reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12.
• Colchicine: This is a medication used to treat conditions such as gout. If you use this medication, it may affect the absorption of B12.

How do you store and dispose of medication?

It is also very important to store medication correctly.

• Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius), out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.
• Disposal: Expired or no longer needed medications should be disposed of. The best way to dispose of medications is to take them out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.

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