Vitamin B12 in your babys diet

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is synthesized by microorganisms and found in animal products such as meat, organ meats, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs. Some packaged cereals and soy milk also have a B12 supplement.

Vitamin B12 is very important in the blood and central nervous system, and it is also a factor affecting the formation of enzymes in the baby's body.

In addition, the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are often similar to those of an autism spectrum disorder . Children with both autism and brain injury due to vitamin B12 deficiency exhibit obsessive-compulsive behavior and have difficulty in speaking, using language, writing and reading comprehension. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can also cause a lack of communication with others. Sadly, very few children with autism symptoms are fully tested for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants and children

Development delay or autism;

Indifferent or irritable;

Increased muscle tone causes the baby to lose coordination between limbs;

Weak;

Shivering;

Unconscious movements;

Epileptic;

Neurological disorders affect the balance, coordination between parts of the body;

Anorexia and other eating disorders;

Inability to grow healthy;

Slow weight gain;

Uneven growth;

Reduce your social exposure;

Poor motor skills;

Language development delays;

Have a communication problem;

Reduce IQ - slow development of intelligence;

Anemia ;

The red blood cells are larger than normal.

What is your child's vitamin B12 requirement?

Depending on your child's age, the amount of vitamin B12 your child needs will be:

Infants 6 months: 0.4 micrograms per day;

Children 7 to 12 months: 0.5 micrograms per day;

Children between the ages of 1 and 3: 0.9 micrograms per day;

Children 4-8 years old: 1.2 micrograms per day;

Children 9-13 years: 1.8 micrograms per day;

All children 14 years of age and older: 2.4 micrograms per day.

Which food sources are rich in vitamin B12?

Animal foods are the most reliable source of vitamin B12 because the vitamin content in vegetables is so different that it is difficult for your baby's body to absorb. Good sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. However, don't worry if your child doesn't eat meat, as some fortified vitamin B12 fortified breakfast cereals, fermented products and soy foods are available.