Vitamin B 12 for Kids

Vitamin B 12 is an essential water soluble vitamin necessary for building proteins in the body, forming red blood cells and proper functioning of nervous system.



It is clinically known as cobalamin because it contains cobalt.

The most reliable sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs. Other sources include soya products, seaweeds, algae, fish, poultry, tuna, clams, beef, salmon, chicken and pork.



The best sources of vitamin B12 for vegetarians are dairy products. ½ pint of milk contains 1.2 µg of Vitamin B 12 and 40 gm of vegetarian cheddar cheese contains 0.5 µg of the nutrient.
 
Vitamin B 12 for kids is very essential.



The primary functions are formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. The vitamin also plays a key role in syntheses of DNA during cell division.



If B 12 deficiency occurs in kids, they are at a greater risk of developing the symptoms of anemia.  The most common symptoms of anemia are excessive tiredness, pallor, breathlessness, sore tongue, listlessness and poor resistance to infection.
 
The deficiency also affects the normal functioning of the nervous system. The absence of Vitamin B 12 disrupts the metabolism of fatty acids which in turn are essential for maintenance of myelin, an insulating sheath covering the nerves.



Symptoms of nervous disorder include muscle weakness, incontinence, hypotension, vision problems, psychoses, and mood disturbances. Prolonged deficiency can also result in nerve degeneration and neurological damage.

To prevent your children from the symptoms of B 12 deficiency, it is very important to feed them with a nutritious and well balanced diet.



Recommended dietary allowances of vitamin B12 for infants between 0-6 months is 0.4 micrograms, infants between 7-12 months is 0.5 micrograms, children between 1-3 years is 0.9 micrograms, children between 4-8 years is 1.2 micrograms and children between 9-13 years is 1.8 micrograms.

If in case, your children are finicky about easting and avoid some essential foods, then add some multi vitamins to their diet. These multi vitamins will help them build healthy bodies and minds.