Vitamin B12, Cobalamin, Deficiency, Symptoms, Anemia, Nerve Damage, Malabsorption
B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and aids in the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. B12 deficiency damages the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and nerves of the eye.
I've done a ton of research on this topic because I have the MTHFR mutation (as do about 50% of the population supposedly). It can cause autoimmune issues, has been linked to an increase in autism, and basically impairs the body's ability to detox properly. One of the big things with MTHFR is that people lack the enzyme in the liver needed to turn folic acid into folate for the body to use. This is why it's important to test for this genetic issue if you're trying to get pregnant.
Oh I was hoping someone would weigh in with more information about B12. I’m pretty sure my family also lacks the MTHFR gene. We have too much autoimmune issues and my Mom told me she was given b12 shots as a child as was her Father, as an adult. I shipped all my research out to my sisters & Mom, hoping they’d can it checked.
I was never tested for folic acid but WAS given the tablets. Doc said lack of folate causes retardation in babies. Guess I was lucky and not in the 50% MTHFR group.