Our body depends on many types of vitamins and minerals to function properly. One of these essential vitamins is vitamin B12. If there is a deficiency of it, a person can feel irritable, tired and energy is completely reduced. According to a research, vitamin B12 deficiency can also be related to Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases (AITD). This study has been published in a journal named Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets.
What is the connection?
This research stated that AITD is the most common autoimmune disorder. Since vitamin B12 plays an important role in the proper functioning of the immune system, scientists tried to understand the deep relationship between the two. In this study conducted on 306 people, they were divided into two groups. One group in which people had B12 deficiency and the other group in which there was no deficiency. Also, they were placed in groups with AITD and without AITD. Research found that patients who had AITD had very low levels of vitamin B12 in their body. On the other hand, those who had B12 deficiency also had high levels of anti-TPO. This means that the level of B12 is deeply linked to AITD.
Why is vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is very important for our body. It helps in converting food into energy, making red blood cells and DNA. Its deficiency not only causes fatigue and weakness, but it can also increase the risk of serious diseases like thyroid. Apart from this, B12 also works in a process called methylation. This process is necessary for detoxification, heart health, nervous system and energy production in the body.
Sources and supplements of B12
Plenty of vitamin B12 is found in beef, organ meat, seafood and eggs. But if you are a vegetarian or vegan, it can be difficult to get the right amount of it from diet alone. In such a situation, multivitamin supplements can prove to be helpful, especially those in which B12 is present in good quantity. This research makes it clear that it is very important to have adequate amount of vitamin B12 in the body. Otherwise, it will not only affect the energy but can also increase the risk of thyroid and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
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