VITAMIN DEFICIENCY AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Vitamins are a heterogeneous group of organic compounds that help ensure the human bodys wellbeing and function. This paper introduces the importance of all vitamins, both water-soluble and fat-soluble, as well as problems deriving from their deficiency. Additionally, vitamin supplements as part of treating vitamin deficiency, and possible harmful effects on the human body areshowcased. The main focus of the paper is on the vitamin B complex, and vitamin B12 specifically. The benefits of vitamin B12, as well as its action in the human body and the noxious effects of any lack of vitamin B12 in the human body, are also discussed. Some of the health conditionsan individual may need to face when they have vitamin B12 deficiency include neural tube defects, Alzheimers disease, depression, and megaloblastic anaemia, which are also introduced and further discussed, in terms of symptomatology, causes and suggested treatment. The toxicity of vitamin B12 is also introduced, and possible causes for vitamin B12 deficiency are showcased.