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Recently, the soaring price of vitamin B12 has attracted widespread attention. What's so amazing about this common nutrient? Does it really improve a variety of diseases? How should ordinary people respond to rising prices?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the essential water-soluble vitamins for the human body. It plays a vital role in the human body and is involved in several physiological processes such as DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and nervous system function maintenance. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a range of health problems such as anemia, neurological disorders, and cognitive decline.
Modern medical research has shown that vitamin B12 supplementation in moderation may indeed have an ameliorating effect on certain diseases. Here are four common conditions that may benefit from vitamin B12 supplementation:
1. Megaloblastic anemia
This is the most typical manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients have an increased but decreased number of red blood cells, resulting in symptoms of anemia. Vitamin B12 supplementation is effective in improving this type of anemia. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, this belongs to the category of "blood deficiency", which can be combined with traditional Chinese medicine to nourish qi and nourish blood.
2. Peripheral neuropathy
Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of the myelin sheath of nerves. Deficiency may cause symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Timely replenishment can help relieve discomfort. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is called "Bi Syndrome", which can be treated in combination with acupuncture, massage and other methods.
3. Cognitive dysfunction
Studies have found that low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with decreased cognitive function and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Appropriate supplementation may delay cognitive decline. The theory of "brain health and intellectualization" in traditional Chinese medicine coincides with it.
4. Depression
Vitamin B12 is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, and deficiency may affect mood regulation. Vitamin B12 supplementation may help improve some of the depressive symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of "regulating the mind and relieving depression" can also be used as an adjunct to treatment.
It is important to note that while vitamin B12 has potential benefits for these conditions, it is not a panacea. The treatment of any disease should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor, and it is important not to blindly self-medicate.
So, in the face of rising vitamin B12 prices, how should ordinary people respond? Is it necessary to stock up?
Most people can meet their daily vitamin B12 needs through a balanced diet. Animal foods such as meat, eggs, and milk are the main sources of vitamin B12. Vegetarians may need additional supplements.
Only people who have been diagnosed with a proven vitamin B12 deficiency by a doctor need supplementation. Blindly taking large quantities is not only wasteful, but can also pose a potential risk. Excessive intake of vitamin B12 may cause adverse effects such as acne and rashes.
For those who do need supplementation, consider the following recommendations:
Choose reputable brand products and don't buy cheap products from unknown sources.
Choose the appropriate dosage form and dosage according to your doctor's instructions. Tablets, capsules, and oral liquids have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Note that long-term storage may affect the efficacy of the drug, so you can buy it on demand without stockpiling it in large quantities.
Pay attention to the official price supervision information to avoid being harmed by unreasonable price increases.
Try supplementing from your diet. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include lean meat, egg yolks, milk, marine fish, etc.
Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that vitamin B12 is a "blood tonic" product. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the balance of yin and yang of qi and blood in the human body is very important. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to "blood deficiency". Therefore, in addition to Western medicine supplements, it can also be combined with traditional Chinese medicine to recuperate:
Dietary therapy: Eat more blood-replenishing ingredients such as red dates, longan, and ejiao.
Traditional Chinese medicine: According to the individual's physique, take traditional Chinese medicine such as angelica and rehmania under the guidance of a doctor.
Acupuncture: Take acupuncture points such as Zusanli and Sanyinjiao to regulate qi and blood.
Tuina: Massage the bladder meridian on the back to promote the flow of qi and blood.
Health: Ensure adequate sleep, moderate exercise, regulate emotions, and promote the production of qi and blood.
It should be emphasized that the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is not a simple superposition, but an individualized treatment under the guidance of professional doctors.
With the importance of health, the market for nutrient supplements such as vitamin B12 is growing rapidly. Excessive marketing and false propaganda also followed. Some merchants exaggerate the efficacy of vitamin B12 and mislead consumers to buy blindly.
Vitamin B12 is not a "miracle cure". For most healthy people, a balanced diet is sufficient. Excessive supplementation is not only not beneficial, but can be harmful.
On the other hand, those who really need to replenish may not be able to afford it due to rising prices. This reminds us of the importance of focusing on the nutritional health of vulnerable populations and ensuring that essential nutrients are accessible to all.
In the face of vitamin price fluctuations, consumers should look at it rationally and not blindly follow or panic. Scientific supplementation and moderate consumption are the wise choices. At the same time, it also calls on relevant departments to strengthen market supervision, curb abnormal price fluctuations, and safeguard the rights and interests of consumers.
Vitamin B12 is an important but often overlooked nutrient. It does play a role in the prevention and improvement of certain diseases, but it is not a panacea. For ordinary people, maintaining a balanced diet and regular medical check-ups is the right way to maintain health.
The rise in the price of vitamin B12 reflects the growing focus on health, which is a good thing. But it also exposes some problems in the field of nutrition and health. How do you ensure that everyone has access to essential nutrients? How do you balance business interests with public health? These are all worth pondering.
Health is the most valuable asset in life. In the face of the complex market of health care products, we need to maintain rational thinking, follow professional advice, and beware of being misled by exaggerated publicity. Scientific supplementation and moderate consumption are the best policies.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.