Vitamin B12 - The Importance of Children's Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

✅ Buy 1 — Get 1 Half Off — WITH CODE: HALF2 ✅ Buy 2 — Get 1 Free — WITH CODE: FREE3

Vitamin B12 - The Importance of Children's Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Posted on December 24 2024, By: Nancy Huddleston, Staff Writer

Introduction

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for cell metabolism and DNA formation. It supports blood circulation, heart health, brain function, mental health, hair growth, and skin pigmentation. It's also crucial for healthy fetal development during pregnancy.

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based foods, making vegetarians and vegans prone to deficiency. Supplements or fortified foods can help those with restricted diets. A deficiency can result from insufficient intake or absorption issues, with symptoms including fatigue, weakness, pale skin, mood changes, and concentration problems.

Parents noticing symptoms of vitamin deficiency should consult a physician. Vitamin B12 is better absorbed in small amounts than large doses, so it's important to follow appropriate supplement guidelines to avoid excess. (1)(2)(3)

How Does Vitamin B12 Function in Your Child’s Body?

Vitamin B12 helps metabolize energy, supports nerve and blood cell health, and prevents megaloblastic anemia. Low levels can lead to fatigue, slow movement, osteoporosis, and mood changes due to its role in serotonin production. It's important to monitor a child's nutrition to prevent deficiencies.

Vitamin B12 is absorbed in two stages: first, hydrochloric acid separates it from food proteins, then it binds with intrinsic factor for absorption. Pernicious anemia occurs when the body can't produce intrinsic factor, hindering B12 absorption from food and supplements. (4)(5)(6)

Why do Children Need Vitamin B12?

Some of the vital benefits of vitamin B12 are listed below:

Heart health
Prevents anemia
Optimizes brain function and fights depression
Supports growth of healthy hair, skin and nails
Prevents neural damage
Prevents eye damage

Heart health: Vitamin B12 supports healthy blood circulation by balancing heart-related chemical processes. Establishing heart-healthy habits in childhood helps prevent long-term nutrient deficiencies in adulthood.

Research support:
Vitamin B12 is used in the breakdown of a protein called homocysteine, and a deficiency of vitamin B12 can increase levels of this protein. High levels of homocysteine have been connected with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This is explained by its possible role in the formation of blood clots and an overabundance of free radical cells, as well as impairment of normal blood vessel function. (7)

Prevents anemia: Vitamin B12 prevents megaloblastic anemia, where enlarged red blood cells cause fatigue and weakness. Ensuring proper vitamin B12 intake from a young age can prevent anemia in children and reduce the risk of long-term deficiencies in adulthood.

Research support:
Red blood cells are normally small and round, but a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause them to become enlarged and oval, which is a sign of megaloblastic anemia. The irregular shape of cells keeps them from moving from the bone marrow into the bloodstream at a fast enough rate. This type of anemia leads to decreased red blood cell formation and poor development in adolescents. (8)

Optimizes brain function and fights depression: Adequate vitamin B12 levels support mood and may help prevent child depression. If a child exhibits poor behavior or mood, it's important to consult a doctor to assess nutrient deficiencies or signs of depression. Vitamin B12 supplementation may be prescribed if needed, alongside support from a mental health professional. (9)(12)

Research support:
Vitamin B12 is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which affect mood, emotion and sleep. These neurotransmitters also play a part in various psychological disorders. Several studies support the use of vitamin B12 supplements for improving symptoms of depression in those who are deficient. One study in people with depression and low vitamin B12 levels found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms compared to those treated with antidepressants alone. (10)

Supports growth of healthy hair, skin and nails: Vitamin B12 supports cell production, promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. Hair loss or skin pigmentation issues in children may signal a B12 deficiency. Topical products with B12 are also used to treat skin problems.

Research support:
Cell production is important for many body functions, including the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails. Supplementing one’s diet with vitamin B12 has been shown to improve dermatologic symptoms in people with B12 deficiency, like hyperpigmentation and nail discoloration. (11)

Prevents neural damage: Vitamin B12 supports memory and helps prevent age-related brain function issues. If a child has memory problems, consult a doctor to identify any underlying physical, psychological, or neurological conditions. (12)

Research support:
One study in people with early-stage dementia showed that vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed processes related to memory loss. Another study found that even minimal amounts of vitamin B12 can affect memory performance. (13)(14)

Prevents eye damage: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause vision problems and, in severe cases, vision loss. Supplementing with vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine, reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Ensuring adequate vitamin B12 during childhood can help prevent vision loss later in life. (15)

What are the Symptoms of B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency develops gradually and its symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. It’s important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist, as untreated deficiency can lead to severe effects.

Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

Pale skin
Fatigue/muscle weakness
Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet
Difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)
A swollen, inflamed tongue or mouth sores
Vision disturbance
Changes in mood
Cognitive difficulties (i.e. thinking and reasoning)
Memory loss

Pale skin: Pale skin is an early sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, indicating low red blood cell levels and causing a yellowish, dull appearance. Severe cases may lead to jaundice. Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production, improving skin tone. (16)

Fatigue: Fatigue, caused by low red blood cell production and limited oxygen transport, leads to reduced energy and task completion. Vitamin B12 supports energy and focus, helping children thrive in school and activities. (17)

Numbness or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet: Ongoing tingling or numbness, even with movement, could indicate paraesthesia, a condition caused by nerve damage from severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 helps produce myelin, which protects and insulates nerves. (18)

Difficulty Walking: Clumsiness, difficulty with balance, or walking could indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency, as it can damage the nervous system, affecting coordination and mobility. (19)

Mouth ulcers and sores: Swollen tongue, ulcers, and sores, along with loss of appetite or difficulty eating, may indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency. A smooth, swollen tongue or difficulty tasting can be signs that require a doctor's visit. (20)

Disturbance in vision: Difficulty reading or seeing clearly may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to optic neuropathy. This condition, damaging the optic nerve, is reversible with medical supplementation. (21)

Changes in mood: Mood changes in children may be linked to nutrition. A physician can test for vitamin deficiencies and recommend supplementation if needed.

Low vitamin B12 levels are linked to depression and dementia, with the "homocysteine hypothesis" suggesting high homocysteine levels damage brain tissue, disrupting brain signals and causing mood changes. (22)

How Much Vitamin B12 Does Your Child Need?

Vitamin B12 dosing varies by age, lifestyle, and dietary needs, with higher doses recommended for older individuals and those who are pregnant or nursing. The recommended daily amounts (mcg) for both males and females are listed below:

Age	Recommended Daily Amount in micrograms (mcg)
Birth to 6 months	0.4 mcg
7 to12 months	0.5 mcg
1 to 3 years	0.9 mcg
4 to 8 years	1.2 mcg
9 to 13 years	1.8 mcg
14 to 18 years	2.4 mcg

Should Your Child Take a Vitamin B12 Supplement?

Vitamin B12 is available in various forms, including gummies, chewables, B-complex supplements, sublingual tablets, nasal sprays, and injections for severe deficiencies, as prescribed by a doctor. (4)

Vitamin B12 supplements, such as gummies and B-complex formulas, can boost energy and mood, particularly for those with deficiencies like anemia. Vegetarians, vegans, and picky eaters may benefit from supplementation to ensure adequate nutrient intake. (7)

Which Foods are High in Vitamin B12?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend obtaining most nutrients from food, as natural sources offer essential vitamins and minerals. However, for those with restricted diets or absorption issues, fortified foods and supplements can help meet nutritional needs. Here are some natural sources of vitamin B12 to consider. (23)

Food Name	Serving Size	Amount Per Serving in Micrograms (mcg)
Clams	3 oz	84
Liver	3 oz	70.7
Trout	3 oz	5.4
Salmon	3 oz	4.9
Tuna, canned	3 oz	2.5
Beef	3 oz	1.5
Nonfat, plain Greek yogurt	6 oz	1.3
Low-fat milk	1 cup	1.2
Ham	3 oz	0.6
Egg	1 large	0.6
Chicken breast	3 oz	0.3
Fortified cereal*	1 cup	6
Nutritional yeast*	1 tbsp	5
Fortified non-dairy milks*	1 cup	3

*Foods that do not contain animal by-products

Risks and Side Effects of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, and excess amounts are excreted through urine. Experts suggest up to 1000 mcg daily of oral supplements for deficiency. The Institute of Medicine states there are no adverse effects from excess B12 intake in healthy individuals. However, consult your child's physician before administering high doses and inquire about potential medication interactions. (7)

Summary

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is crucial for DNA synthesis, blood cell production, nerve protection, and healthy growth in children. It also prevents memory, vision, heart issues, anemia, depression, and mood changes. Deficiency is common in those with insufficient intake, poor absorption, or plant-based diets. Vitamin B12 is found in animal by-products like fish and dairy. Excess intake typically doesn’t cause side effects, but it’s important to consult a physician to determine the right dosage for your child.

References

Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Vitamin C - Why Is Vitamin ... Vitamin B9 - How Can Vitami...