Earlier this week, I shared with you an article on the importance of Vitamin B12 for adults and the damage it can cause when deficient. But are you paying attention to your children when it comes to this same vitamin? We think of vitamin D, C, iron, good protein intake etc... But what about vitamin B12? If it's so essential for us as adults, why shouldn't it be for your children?
Before going any further, if you don't know me, I'm Hélène, Holistic Traditherapist. I specialize in womb, gut and general health care, and my aim is to sublimate your Being through energies, nutrition, phytotherapy and much more 🙂
The importance of vitamin B12 from birth
Vitamin B12 is essential at every age, 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. From the neonatal phase through to the first 3 years of life, the body is in full expansion mode. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and nerve myelination. To illustrate nerve myelination, visualize large protective sheaths that accelerate the speed of nerve signals, protecting nerve fibers and preventing loss of information.
Do you understand why it's essential? We're talking here about the entire functioning of the nervous system. Your children's ability to think, their memory and cognitive functions may be affected.
Here's a reminder for all mothers and nursing mothers, whether vegetarian, vegan or omnivore. You need to take supplements to ensure your child's development. Just like vitamin B9, which has now become commonplace, vitamin B12 supplementation is essential. Extreme deficiency is irreversible.
The benefits of vitamin B12 for our little ones
Neurological and cognitive development
One of the main benefits of vitamin B12 for infants and young children is its role in neurological development. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation and protection of myelin. 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. B12 is crucial for ensuring the proper maturity of nerve cells and supporting the neuronal communication required for learning.
Studies have shown that children with adequate levels of vitamin B12 achieve better results in terms of cognitive development, particularly problem-solving skills. 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.
Growth and production of red blood cells
I mentioned above the production of red blood cells, but it's also essential for transporting oxygen to a child's growing tissues. A good intake of vitamin B12 helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells to meet its needs. In children, anemia can lead to excessive fatigue, slowed physical growth and general weakness.
In the article " The dangers of Tardyferon and natural iron alternatives", I show you the difference between 4 possible types of anemia.
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 general health, and with steady linear and weight growth.
Strengthens 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 helps children boost 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
Neurological disorders and developmental delay
One of the most serious consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency in children concerns neurological development. Deficient children may experience 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 poor 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 cerebral growth retardation. They may also experience learning disabilities and difficulties at school later in life. Early diagnosis and treatment of any deficiency in young children is therefore essential.
Anemia and chronic fatigue
As in adults, vitamin B12 deficiency in children can lead to megaloblastic anemia. This form of anemia results in an inefficient production of red blood cells, reducing the blood's capacity 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. Constant fatigue can actually prevent them from actively engaging in social interactions or playing with their buddies.
Impact on physical growth
Lack of B12 also affects the body's ability to metabolize fatty acids and proteins, which is essential for tissue construction and muscle growth in children. Without adequate B12 intake, children may experience delayed muscle development and low muscle tone.
For pregnant and breast-feeding mothers : A course of B12 is essential, as is folic acid. It's NEVER advisable, but as you've seen, deficiencies create disturbances at all levels. An impact you can see from the very first years, but also much later in the learning process, when it's impossible to go back. Take a 3-month course of treatment, ideally during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy. Then, as soon as you give birth, you can start a 3-month course again. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, take them continuously throughout the year, depending on dosage and brand.
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 show signs of confusion. B12-deficient children are also more likely to develop mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Although these symptoms are more difficult to diagnose in young children, they are a reality.
The body's inability to synthesize neurotransmitters properly, due to B12 deficiency, can affect a child's cognitive abilities. It can have long-term repercussions on school performance and general well-being.
Preventing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency in children
Supplementation and diet
The prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency in our little ones relies mainly on 3 criteria:
- Supplementation during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding or fortified infant milk
- A balanced diet
- One-off cures for babies and children
For families following a vegan or vegetarian diet, supplementation is necessary. For nursing mothers who are vegetarian or vegan, special attention must 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 take blood tests to make sure you're covering all your needs and those of your children.
As soon as your baby starts to diversify, start introducing foods rich in vitamin B12. See the article: Vitamin B12 - is it important?
My son and I use Sunday natural supplements.
I started giving her 1 capsule a week when she was 1, then 1 capsule every 3/4 days from the time she was 18 months old. Today, I give her 1 capsule a day. I simply open the capsule and dilute it in a little water.
VITAMIN B12 FORMULE MH3A® CHILDREN 10 µg
TOP-QUALITY ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- MH3A® formula: with the three natural, bioactive forms of vitamin B12
- Bioactive vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin
- 2 active forms of highly bioavailable coenzymes
- 5 different B12 active ingredients
- High-quality B12 active ingredients manufactured in the EU
- 100% natural origin
- Special dosage for children with 10 µg vitamin B12 per mini-capsule
- High-quality natural acacia fiber, grown without the use of pesticides
*SourceSunday natural
Monitoring
I'm speaking directly to parents in this last paragraph. Pay close attention to your children. You have all the intuition you need to spot changes or elements that seem abnormal. Trust yourself. Don't hesitate to consult a paediatrician or health professional and ask for a full blood test. If your doubts persist and your doctor doesn't prescribe a check-up... Go and see another one! They're not all-knowing. They can make mistakes, miss the point, not find it important at first etc... So listen to yourself first 🙂
I think I've covered everything there is to know about vitamin B12 for babies and children. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. It will also help me complete this article if necessary 🙂
Take care of your toddlers.
Hélène - Holistic Traditherapist