Hello, I hope you’re well as every day. I’ve shared with you an episode on the need for vitamin B12 in adults. My goal is to explain how important it is to maintain a balance to strengthen our health and to pay more attention to this vitamin.
Well, if this vitamin is so important for us as adults, imagine how essential it is for our children.
In this article, I take a look at its impact and importance in building the beings of tomorrow.
If you don’t know me, I’m Hélène, your Traditional Therapist in Holistic Health. I’m specialized in Womb, Gut and General health care and my goal is to sublimate your being through Energy, Nutrition and Herbs.
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The importance of vitamin B12 from birth
Vitamin B12 is essential for all ages, but its role is even more crucial in the first years of life. In babies and children, it is necessary for the proper development of the brain and nervous system, as well as for physical growth. During the neonatal period and early childhood, the body is in full expansion, and vitamin B12 plays a fundamental role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and nerve myelination.
Here’s a reminder for all mothers and breastfeeding mothers, whether plant-based, vegetarian or omnivore. You need to take supplements to ensure your child’s development. Just like vitamin B9, which has now entered the mainstream, vitamin B12 supplementation is essential. You should bear in mind that extreme deficiencies are irreversible.
The benefits of vitamin B12 for babies and children
Neurological and cognitive development
One of the main benefits of vitamin B12 for infants and young children is its role in neurological development. B12 is necessary for the formation and protection of myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds nerves and enables the rapid and efficient transmission of nerve signals. Good myelination is essential for motor, cognitive and emotional development.
In babies, the first years of life are marked by rapid growth of the brain and nervous system. Sufficient B12 is crucial to ensure proper maturation of nerve cells, and to support the neuronal communication necessary for learning, memory and the acquisition of cognitive skills.
Studies have shown that children with adequate levels of vitamin B12 perform better in terms of cognitive development, notably memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. In addition, children with high levels of B12 from an early age often have better language and motor skills, underlining the importance of this vitamin for optimal development.
Physical growth and red blood cell production
Vitamin B12 also contributes to the production of red blood cells, essential for transporting oxygen to children’s growing tissues. Adequate B12 intake helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells to meet its needs. In children, anemia can lead to excessive fatigue, slow physical growth and general weakness.
Children’s physical growth, including bone formation, weight gain and muscle development, is also closely linked to adequate B12 intake. Studies have shown that children who consume enough of this vitamin tend to have better overall health, with steady linear and weight growth, in contrast to those suffering from deficiency who may show stunted growth.
Boosting the immune system
Vitamin B12 plays a role in supporting the immune system, helping to create white blood cells and regulate the immune response. An optimal intake of B12 enables children to strengthen their resistance to infection and improve their ability to recover quickly from illness. This is particularly important in the early years, when children are most vulnerable to infection.
By facilitating the production of effective immune cells, B12 helps protect children against common illnesses such as respiratory infections, gastro-enteritis and other frequent childhood infections. A healthy immune system also promotes harmonious physical and cognitive development.
Consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in babies and children
Neurological disorders and developmental delay
One of the most serious consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in children concerns neurological development. Deficient children may show significant delays in the acquisition of motor, cognitive and language skills. Symptoms may include difficulty standing, walking, speaking, or interacting socially with others.
In infants, severe B12 deficiency can lead to developmental abnormalities such as seizures, lethargy and weak muscle tone. Some children may also develop behavioral problems, such as irritability or apathy. These symptoms are often irreversible if not corrected in time, as damage to the nervous system can become permanent if the deficiency persists.
Studies have shown that babies with B12 deficiencies are more likely to suffer from stunted brain growth. They also can have learning disabilities and academic difficulties later in life. Early diagnosis and treatment of any deficiency in young children is therefore crucial.
Anemia and chronic fatigue
As in adults, vitamin B12 deficiency in children can lead to megaloblastic anemia. This form of anemia results in inefficient production of red blood cells, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. In children, this can result in chronic fatigue, lack of energy, muscle weakness and general pallor.
Children suffering from anemia due to B12 deficiency may have difficulty participating in physical activities, playing or concentrating at school. This can affect not only their physical development, but also their social development, as constant fatigue can prevent them from actively engaging in social interaction or play with their peers.
Impact on physical growth
B12 deficiency can also slow children’s physical growth. Children with insufficient levels of vitamin B12 may show stunted growth, with weight gain and height growth slower than normal. This can be particularly noticeable in babies breastfed by vegan or vegetarian mothers who do not supplement their diet with B12, as the mother’s reserves may be insufficient to provide an adequate intake for the infant.
Lack of B12 also affects the body’s ability to metabolize fatty acids and proteins, which is essential for building tissue and growing muscles in children. Without sufficient B12, the child may experience delayed muscle development and poor muscle tone.
Cognitive and emotional disorders
Prolonged B12 deficiency can also have an impact on children’s emotional and cognitive well-being. Those who suffer from it may have difficulty concentrating at school, memory problems, and may show signs of confusion or irritability. B12-deficient children are also more likely to develop mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, although these symptoms are often harder to diagnose in young children.
The body’s inability to properly synthesize neurotransmitters due to B12 deficiency can affect a child’s cognitive abilities. It could have long-term repercussions on their school performance and general well-being.
Preventing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency in children
Supplementation and diet
Preventing B12 deficiency in babies and children relies primarily on a balanced diet and, in the case of families following a vegan or vegetarian diet, on supplementation. For mothers who are breastfeeding and vegetarian or vegan, particular attention needs to be paid to your deficiencies. The higher your levels, without overdosing, the more likely you are to pass on vitamin B12 through your milk. So don’t forget to have your blood tested to make sure you’re covering all your children’s needs.
Children who do not regularly consume animal products should also receive supplements. They can also consume foods fortified with B12, such as fortified plant milks or fortified breakfast cereals.
Medical surveillance
Parents should closely monitor their children for potential signs of B12 deficiency, especially if they are following a plant-based diet. Regular consultations with a pediatrician or healthcare professional will enable B12 levels to be monitored and intakes adjusted accordingly.
I think I’ve covered everything there is to know about vitamin B12 for babies and children. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. It will also help me to complete this article if necessary 🙂
I look forward to hearing from you
See you soon for a new episode.
Until then, take truly care of you
Hélène – Traditional Therapist in Holistic Health
