Vitamin B12 deficiencies are very common. In fact, The Framingham Offspring Study found that nearly 40 percent of people aged 27 to 83 years had B12 levels in the “low normal” range which is a level at which one may begin experiencing neurological symptoms.
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Vitamin B12 plays an important role in ensuring the normal function of the brain and the nervous system.
Folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B9 or folate is commonly associated with pregnant women to help reduce the risk of birth defects in the developing child.
It’s been long known by medical professionals that vitamin B12 can boost the function of the immune system and is integral for one’s overall health.
However, research now indicates that vitamin B12 can improve the symptoms of those suffering Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
What is fibromyalgia?
The NHS said: “Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.”
As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Problems with mental processes such as problems with memory and concentration
- Headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Many people diagnosed with CFS suffer widespread and persistent pain.
Likewise, people suffering from FMS have many symptoms common to those suffering CFS and it is not uncommon for patients to be diagnosed with both conditions concurrently.
For this reason, much of the more recent research into FM has explored the role of central sensitisation, which may underlie a host of other chronic pain conditions.
Research suggests that CFS and FM are manifestations of the same underlying problem.
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In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, patterns to the role of a B12 deficiency in non-specific chronic pain was analysed.
The study noted: “Profound vitamin B12 deficiency is a known cause of disease, but the role of low or intermediate levels of B12 in the development of neuropathy and other neuropsychiatric symptoms, as well as the relationship between eating meat and B12 levels, is unclear.
“The objective of our study was to investigate the role of low or intermediate levels of B12 in the development of neuropathy and other neuropsychiatric symptoms.
“Our findings show that low B12 intake may be associated with a broader spectrum of neurological disorders than previously thought.”
Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal and dairy products, such as meat and milk.
For vegetarians or vegans who are looking for alternatives to meat and dairy products, there are other foods that contain vitamin B12.
The essential vitamin can also be found in yeast extract (including Marmite), as well as some fortified breakfast cereals and soy products.
The NHS added: “Check the nutrition labels while food shopping to see how much vitamin B12 different foods contain.”
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