What are the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on children's health?

Many types of vitamins are needed for the development of children, one of them is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the mother during pregnancy causes deficiency of this vitamin in children. It is an essential vitamin that helps in making red blood cells, DNA, nerve cells in the body. Its deficiency can cause many problems in children. Let's know from the experts what are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in children. Dr. Senior Consultant Pediatrics and Neonatology, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. Gaurav Jain is giving information about this.

• What are the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on children's health?
• Vitamin B12 deficiency in children can cause gastrointestinal problems like constipation, vomiting and diarrhea. Due to which problems like weight loss, difficulty in walking and lethargy are seen.
• Vitamin B12 is essential for the development of the central nervous system, so its deficiency can cause neurological problems. This can lead to problems like poor memory and hypotonia. This can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
• A lack of vitamin B12 in the body can cause irritability, mood swings and other behavioral changes in children. Vitamin B12 is essential for the development of red blood cells, so a deficiency of it can cause anemia in a child.

How to overcome vitamin B12 deficiency?
Experts say that you should eat foods rich in vitamin B12, for this you should consume foods like chicken, meat, fish, eggs which contain a good amount of vitamin B12. If the child does not eat non-veg, then you can feed him soy and almond milk, tofu and some fruits. Apart from this, breastfeeding women should consume enough vitamin B12 to meet the needs of their child.