Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies

While fruits supply us with essential vitamins, neither vitamin B12 nor vitamin D is found in any fruit (see chart).

The body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. To provide vitamin B12 to the blood cells, people need to eat enough foods containing vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, and dairy products.

However, sometimes even with a proper diet, people experience a shortage of vitamin B12 due to the following:

• Lack of intrinsic factor (To absorb vitamin B12 a protein called intrinsic factor is required which is released by cells in the stomach).
• Toxins destroying your B12 (cyanide in cigarettes for example).
• Other things competing for your B12 (usually parasites).

Shortage of vitamin B12 can cause poor concentration, loss in memory, tiredness, headaches, anemia, etc. A number of people complaining about constant fatigue have vitamin B12 deficiency.

Concerning vitamin D, the best source is sunlight. However, a huge number of people experience deficiency in the winter time, and many in the summer as well because they avoid the sun. The main purpose of vitamin D in the body is to make use of the calcium available in the diet to strengthen the bones and teeth.

People with vitamin D deficiency end up with weak bones. Lack of vitamin D can also cause fatigue and tiredness. To get enough vitamin D from foods, people should eat fish and dairy products.