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Vitamin B12 And Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Vitamin B12 And Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin is a highly critical micronutrient that is essential for the overall health of the brain and nervous system. Studies have established vitamin B12’s efficacy in improving the cognitive function in brain-injured patients. It is observed that deficiency of B12 can worsen the overall health and the recovery chances from a traumatic brain injury as well. Many people have genetic issues that prevent their body from absorbing Vitamin B12 from the food sources, and the deficiencies come into light only when they experience severe fatigue, breathlessness, weak balances, numbness, and memory problems. These problems can further worsen the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone brain injuries. Vitamin B12 helps in the regeneration of neurons and can facilitate the faster recovery of TBI patients. Continue reading to understand the efficiency of Vitamin B12 in the recuperation of brain-injured patients and the ways to improve the consumption of the micronutrients.

Why is Vitamin B12 essential for the brain and nerve health?

The information about exact absorption and current levels of vitamins are the essential indicators of the body’s capability to recover from injuries. Brain injury treatment centres examine the patients’ micronutrients level to test their ability to recover from the injuries. Though conventional laboratories can give you the current levels of Vitamin B12 in the body, there have been several discrepancies in determining the absorption levels of nutrients by the white blood cells. Also, the understanding levels of nutrients can further prompt the physicians to explore the possibilities of the genetic contribution to the vitamin level.
Atrophic gastritis, Pernicious Anemia, Crohn’s disease, Lupus are the diseases that can lead to a reduction in the levels of vitamin B12 in the body. Brain injuries are yet another cause that leads to severe depletion of the B12 sources from the patient. The lack of Vitamin B12 can further worsen the body’s capability to recover.

Also Read: All You Need to know about Brain Damage

Vitamin B12 produces and maintains Myelin Sheath, which is an insulating layer of proteins and fats formed around the nerves. These sheaths are responsible for the quick and efficient passage of neural impulses across the body. Vitamin B12 also contributes to the formation of neurotransmitters that helps in effective communication between the nerve cells. These benefits make B12 an important factor in improving the cognitive functions as well as speeding up of a recovery after the brain injury. Consuming and maintaining a proper nutrient level is therefore imperative to improve immunity and overall cognitive health.

Vitamin B12’s role in healing TBI

Brain injuries often lead to Axonal damages in the brain. Axons, which are the part of neurons, help in the passage of neural messages between the neurons. The absence of Axons can make it difficult for the neurons to communicate with each other causing the body to lose its cognitive and physical abilities. Vitamin B12 is known to help repair the damaged Axons and also regenerates the nerve cells. Thus, the presence of Vitamin B12 can promote total healing and improved immunity in the body.

Sources of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that cannot be produced by the body naturally. Hence, the body mostly depends on the diet to receive the nutrient. Following are the list of foods that are the significant sources of Vitamin B12.

Eggs

Vitamin B12 is a micronutrient that is mostly available in non-vegetarian foods. Eggs are the largest sources of Cobalamin that can supply nearly 22 percent of the required dose. The eggs are rich sources of Vitamin B12 that is easily absorbed by the body.

Dairy products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of Vitamin B12. It is found that a cup of milk gives out 18%of Vitamin B12 and cheese at the same time provides 16 % of the required nutrients. Milk also absorbs the essential nutrient, making it the best source of Vitamin B12.

Trout

Apart from being the richest source of vitamin B12, Trouts are also a great source of Omega3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are also considered as a vital nutrient that aids a quick recovery of TBI patients. The nutrients boost the production of BDNF in the brain that helps in the regeneration of new brain cells.

Liver

Animal livers are the best source of vitamin B12 if your Vitamin B12 is dangerously low. It is found that 3.5oz of lamb liver attributes nearly 1500% of RDI and beef liver provides about 990% of the recommended Vitamin B12.

Vegans can also consume their required amount of B12 from soymilk that contributes nearly 30% more B12 content than dairy milk. Vitamin B12 complements like Methylcobalamin can help increase the B12 intake along with improving the absorption ability of the micronutrient.

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