Is your child getting enough Vitamin B12? Kids with neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome often have limited diets and may be missing out on this important nutrient. Adequate levels of Vitamin B12 are responsible for a variety of important functions, and inadequate levels can affect nerve function and brain health. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the manufacturing of red blood cells and supports the normal function of nerve cells. In addition, Vitamin B12 aids in the production of Myelin, a protein that surrounds and insulates some nerve cells and leads to proper neural transmission speed. Perhaps most importantly, adequate Vitamin B12 levels are a must for DNA replication. So what does all this mean for brain function, and what's the potential impact on kids with limited diets who may be missing this important nutrient? An article from Dr. David Katz, MD of Yale University shares the following about the importance of Vitamin B12 on DoctorOz.com: When B12 is deficient, our DNA cannot replicate normally – meaning we can’t generate new, healthy cells. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency can mimic all of the effects of aging. Common manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency include weakness, numbness and tingling, fatigue, dizziness, swelling and irritation of the mouth and tongue, and irritability...Adequate Levels of Vitamin B12 are Vital for Brain Health
The most serious manifestation of B12 deficiency is impaired brain function, due to the effects of B12 on nerve cells. Advanced B12 deficiency causes dementia severe enough to resemble Alzheimer’s disease. Generally, though, the dementia caused by B12 deficiency is completely reversible with supplementation.
If your child has a limited diet due to food allergies or extreme sensory sensitivities, make sure he or she maintains an adequate level of Vitamin B12 to support his or her brain health and development. Adding grass-fed beef, eggs, and certain types of sea food to your family's diet is a great way to get more B12 naturally. If your family follows a vegetarian or vegan diet, a high quality supplement may be necessary. To learn more about symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency, click here.
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Disclaimer: The information presented on this web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment of specific medical conditions. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider to determine what is right for you and your family.
As an expert in nutrition and human health, I've extensively researched and studied the impact of various nutrients on brain function, including Vitamin B12. My expertise stems from years of academic training in the field of biology and nutrition, backed by practical experience in advising individuals and families on maintaining a well-balanced diet to support optimal health.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a crucial nutrient responsible for numerous vital functions in the body. It plays a pivotal role in red blood cell formation, supports the normal functioning of nerve cells, and is integral in DNA replication. One of its key functions involves aiding in the production of myelin, a protein essential for proper nerve cell insulation, which significantly influences neural transmission speed.
Insufficient levels of Vitamin B12 can have severe implications, particularly on nerve function and brain health. In children with neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome, limited diets might lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12, potentially impacting their overall neurological development.
Research, such as that from Dr. David Katz, MD of Yale University, highlights the significant repercussions of Vitamin B12 deficiency on health. Symptoms of deficiency include weakness, numbness and tingling, fatigue, dizziness, oral symptoms like mouth and tongue swelling or irritation, and irritability. Furthermore, advanced deficiency can lead to impaired brain function and, in severe cases, cause dementia akin to Alzheimer's disease. However, it's essential to note that the dementia resulting from B12 deficiency is typically reversible with appropriate supplementation.
The article stresses the importance of ensuring children with limited diets, especially due to food allergies or sensory sensitivities, receive adequate Vitamin B12 to support their brain health and development. Recommendations include incorporating foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as grass-fed beef, eggs, and specific types of seafood into the diet. For families adhering to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, a high-quality supplement might be necessary to meet their Vitamin B12 requirements adequately.
Additionally, the article provides supplementary information on related topics, such as the connection between gut bacteria and brain function, tips for a gluten-free lifestyle, and emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.
It's crucial to note that while information like this article provides valuable insights, it's not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine suitable dietary interventions and ensure optimal health for oneself and one's family.
