Vitamin B12 during pregnancy: for the nervous system

I. Introduction: Vitamin B12 and its critical role

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water -soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and, which is especially important in the context of pregnancy, the functioning of the nervous system. It is not developed by the body independently, so it must be obtained from external sources, mainly from animal products. Vitamin B12 deficiency may have serious consequences, especially during pregnancy, when the need for it increases significantly.

II. Vitamin B12 metabolism and its assimilation

The assimilation of vitamin B12 is a complex multi -stage process.

Food admission: Vitamin B12 enters the body with food containing animal products (meat, fish, dairy products, eggs).
Binding with R-Belkom: In the stomach, vitamin B12 is released from food and associated with R-Belak (also known as gaptorrin), which is secreted by salivary glands and stomach cells. This connection protects vitamin from destruction by acid of gastric juice.
Review in the duodenum: In the duodenum, under the influence of pancreatic enzymes, vitamin B12 is released from the connection with the R-Belk.
Binding with the internal factor in Katla: The released vitamin B12 is associated with the internal factor of Kla (IF), glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. This is a critical stage for the absorption of vitamin.
Absorption in the ileum: The complex of vitamin B12-am moves to the ileum, where it is absorbed through special receptors on the surface of the mucous membrane cells.
Transport in the blood: After absorption, vitamin B12 is transferred to the blood using the transport protein of transcobalamin II (TCII). TCII delivers vitamin B12 to fabric, where it is used for metabolic processes.

III. The role of vitamin B12 in the development of the nervous system of the fetus

Vitamin B12 plays a central role in the development of the nervous system of the fetus, in particular:

Milin’s formation: Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds and isolates the nerve fibers, providing fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of myelin. Its deficiency can lead to violation of myelinization, which negatively affects cognitive functions, motor skills and sensory development of the child.
Synthesis neurotransmitted: Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of several important neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a key role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite and other important functions. Violation of the synthesis of neurotransmitters due to vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the emotional state of both the mother and the fetus.
Synthesis DNA and RNA: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, genetic material, which determines the structure and functions of each cell of the body, including the cells of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to impaired division and differentiation of nerve cells, which prevents the normal development of the brain and the nervous system of the fetus.
Homocysteine metabolism: Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with an increased risk of developing defects in the nervous tube in the fetus, such as Spina Bifida and Anencephaly. Vitamin B12 helps to turn homocysteine into methionine, thereby reducing its level in the blood.
Energy metabolism: Vitamin B12 is involved in energy metabolism, providing the cells of the nervous system with the necessary energy for their functioning. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a decrease in energy metabolism in nerve cells, which leads to a violation of their functions and, as a result, to neurological problems.

IV. The consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy

Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child.

For mother:
- Megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by abnormally large and immature red blood cells. This can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness and other symptoms.
- Neurological problems: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause neurological symptoms, such as numbness and tingling in the limbs, impaired coordination, confusion, depression and memory loss.
- Increased risk of preeclampsia: Some studies associate the deficiency of vitamin B12 with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria.
- Infertility and recurrent miscarriages: Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect fertility and increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages.
For the fetus:
- Nervous tube defects: Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing defects in the nervous tube, such as Spina Bifida and Anencephalus.
- Development of development: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a delay in the development of the fetus, both physical and cognitive.
- Violations myelinization: Vitamin B12 deficiency can disrupt the myelinization of nerve fibers, which negatively affects the development of cognitive functions, motor skills and sensory development of the child.
- Increased risk of autism and other neurological disorders: Some studies involve the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism and other neurological disorders in a child.
- Non -premature and low weight at birth: Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
- Metabolic disorders: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders in a newborn.

V. Recommended dosage of vitamin B12 during pregnancy

The recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 micrograms (mcg). However, in some cases, the doctor can recommend a higher dose, especially if the woman has risk factors for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as vegetarianism, veganism, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and taking some drugs.

VI. Sources of vitamin B12

The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal products:

Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, bird. Especially rich in vitamin B12 liver and kidneys.
Fish: Salmon, tuna, cod, sardines, mackerel.
Dairy products: Moloko, cheese, yogurt.
Eggs: Egg yolk contains vitamin B12.

For vegetarians and vegans who do not use animal products, there are alternative sources of vitamin B12:

Enriched products: Some products, such as cereals for breakfast, vegetable milk and soy meat, are enriched with vitamin B12. It is important to carefully read the labels to make sure that the product really contains vitamin B12.
Food additives: Vitamin B12 is available in the form of food additives, both in the form of individual drugs and as part of multivitamin complexes.
Food yeast: Some types of food yeast are enriched with vitamin B12.

VII. Risk factors for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy

There are several factors that can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy:

Vegetarianism and veganism: Vegetarians and vegans that do not use animal products are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases that violate the absorption of vitamin B12, such as atrophic gastritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and resection of the stomach or intestines, can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Personic anemia: Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce the internal factor of Kabla, necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Taking some drugs: Some drugs such as metformin (used to treat diabetes), proton pump inhibitors (used to treat heartburn) and H2-gistamine receptor blockers (used to treat stomach ulcers), can reduce vitamin B12 assimilation.
Alcoholism: Alcohol abuse can violate the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12.
Age: With age, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases.

VIII. Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency

Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency usually includes a blood test. The main indicators that are evaluated:

Vitamin B12 level in blood serum: The low level of vitamin B12 in blood serum may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B12. However, this indicator is not always accurate, since it can be normal even in the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency in tissues.
The level of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the urine or blood: MMA is a metabolite, the level of which increases with vitamin B12 deficiency. Determining the level of MMA is a more sensitive method for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency than determining the level of vitamin B12 in blood serum.
The level of homocysteine in the blood: The level of homocysteine also increases with vitamin B12 deficiency. However, an increased level of homocysteine can be associated with a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B6.
General blood test: A general blood test can identify signs of megaloblastic anemia, which can be caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

IX. Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy

Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy depends on the degree of deficiency and the cause of its occurrence.

Food additives: In mild cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can be prescribed food additives containing vitamin B12. Food additives are available in the form of tablets, capsules, chewing pastilles and hyoid tablets.
Vitamin B12 injections: In more serious cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in the presence of vitamin B12 absorption disorders, vitamin B12 injections can be prescribed. Vitamin B12 injections are usually administered intramuscularly.
Treatment of the underlying disease: If the deficiency of vitamin B12 is caused by any disease, the underlying disease is necessary.

It is important to note that the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will determine the optimal dose and the method of introducing vitamin B12, and will also control the effectiveness of treatment.

X. Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy

Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy includes the following measures:

Balanced nutrition: It is important to eat a variety of foods rich in vitamin B12, including animal products (meat, fish, dairy products, eggs).
Reception of food additives: Vegetarians and vegans, as well as women with risk factors for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency, are recommended to take food supplements containing vitamin B12.
Regular examinations: During pregnancy, it is necessary to regularly undergo examinations, including a blood test, to identify possible deficiency of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12.
Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any nutritional supplements or drugs during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor.

XI. The effect of vitamin B12 on other body systems during pregnancy

In addition to the effect on the nervous system of the fetus, vitamin B12 plays an important role in other body systems during pregnancy:

Immune system: Vitamin B12 maintains the normal functioning of the immune system, which is especially important during pregnancy, when a woman’s immunity is slightly reduced.
Energy exchange: Vitamin B12 is involved in energy metabolism, helping the body transform food into energy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness.
Cardiovascular system: Vitamin B12 helps maintain health of the cardiovascular system, reducing the level of homocysteine, which is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Reproductive system: Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the normal function of the reproductive system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriages.

XII. Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins B: Synergic interaction

Vitamin B12 is closely interacting with other group B vitamins, such as folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxin). They participate in general metabolic processes and synergically affect health.

Folic acid and vitamin B12: Folic acid and vitamin B12 are necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, as well as for the metabolism of homocysteine. The deficiency of one of these vitamins can disrupt homocysteine metabolism and increase the risk of developing defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.
Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12: Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and maintaining the normal function of the nervous system. The deficiency of one of these vitamins can lead to neurological symptoms.

It is important to obtain a sufficient number of all B vitamins to maintain optimal health during pregnancy.

XIII. Myths and errors about vitamin B12 during pregnancy

There are several myths and misconceptions about vitamin B12 during pregnancy:

Myth: If I eat meat, I definitely have no vitamin B12 deficiency. Even if you consume meat, you can have a deficiency of vitamin B12 if you have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12, or if you take drugs that reduce the absorption of vitamin B12.
Myth: Food supplements with vitamin B12 are always effective. The effectiveness of food additives with vitamin B12 depends on their shape and dosage. Some forms of vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin, can be less effective than other forms, such as methylcobalamin.
Myth: too much vitamin B12 is harmful. Vitamin B12 is a water -soluble vitamin, so its excess is usually excreted from the body in urine. However, in rare cases, high doses of vitamin B12 can cause side effects, such as skin rash and headache.
Myth: Vegetarians cannot bear a healthy child due to B12 deficiency. Vegetarians and vegans can take a healthy child if they receive a sufficient amount of vitamin B12 from enriched products or food additives. It is important to monitor your diet and, if necessary, consult a doctor or nutritionist.

XIV. Conclusion

Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the development of the nervous system of the fetus and maintaining the health of the mother during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency may have serious consequences, so it is important to ensure sufficient intake of vitamin B12 with food or using food additives. Pregnant women, especially vegetarian and vegans, as well as women with risk factors for the development of vitamin B12 deficiency, are recommended to regularly undergo examinations and consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency.

XV. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Question: How much vitamin B12 should be taken during pregnancy? The recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 for pregnant women is 2.6 micrograms (mcg).
Question: What products contain vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is contained in animal products, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. For vegetarians and vegans, there are alternative sources of vitamin B12, such as enriched products and food supplements.
Question: What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy? Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy may include fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs, impaired coordination, confusion, depression and loss of memory.
Question: What to do if I have a deficiency of vitamin B12 during pregnancy? If you have a deficiency of vitamin B12 during pregnancy, you must consult a doctor to prescribe treatment. Treatment may include taking food additives or vitamin B12 injections.
Question: Is it possible to take vitamin B12 with other vitamins? Vitamin B12 can be taken with other vitamins, including with group B vitamins. However, before taking any food additives, you need to consult a doctor.

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