Vitamin B12 - Do You Know Everything?

The term Vitamin B12 is used as a generic descriptor for the cobalamins; cobalt containing compound possessing the corrin ring having the biological activity of vitamin. The active coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 are methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Dietary sources of vitamin B12 are of animal origin and include meat, eggs, milk, dairy products, fish and poultry. Vitamin B12 is absent in plant foods and humans obtain small amount of vitamin B12 from their intestinal flora. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, nucleoprotein, erythropoiesis, myelin synthesis, normal growth and cell reproduction and one carbon metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiency may arise due to decreased dietary intake. Vitamin B12 helps in isomerization of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA by methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and also helps in conversion of homocysteine to methionine by methionine synthase. Dietary deficiency is seen in strict vegetarians, since vitamin found only in foods of animal origin or in microorganism. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes pernicious anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, methylmalonic aciduria, Neuropathy and folate trap. The present review concludes that vitamin B12 deficiency affects a person’s mental and physical health and it can cause severe, irreversible neurologic damage, disorientation, nerve damage, insomnia and many other diseases as mentioned in article. Adults should take 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12, deficiency is mainly seen commonly in Vegetarian they have to add vegan sources of vitamin B12 to their diet which include fortified cereals, bread, nutritional yeast and plant milks. Early identification of vitamin B12 status should be preliminary screening step to reverse the damage caused by vitamin B12 deficiency which will helps in prevention of diseases.

Blessings in Disguise: Yoga and Meditation during Corona Lockdown

The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” means to attach, join, Yoke or “Yuj” Samadhi. Yoga asanas twist the internal organs, strengthen muscles and increases circulation. Breathing technique and meditation also release stress and improve immunity. Health is our wealth. This difficult time can be utilized for building physical and mental health. The rule of social distancing which has been in action is a great facility that provides natural support to immune system and to build the mental health. It also gives more time to be with your family and keep yourselves occupied with productive activities. The term “meditation” usually refers to a formal practice that can give peace to the mind and increase awareness of our conscious, our mind and our environment. Meditation in its many forms has been practiced over millions of years by diverse groups of people in many different traditions. Previously it was practiced in the East, eventually has spread into Western countries and is increasingly augmenting therapy. These days are very difficult to manage your mind. So, meditation is the only useful activity that helps to overcome such a bad situation (corona lockdown). One should do mindful meditation daily. Encourage kids, but do not force them to do these activities. This study found that due to meditation, there is reduction in oxygen consumption, decreased heart rate, decreased respiration rate, enhanced carbon dioxide elimination, reduced cortical hormone level, decreased blood lactate levels, and increased parasympathetic activity. An overall effect of meditation is that it provides nutrition to your mind and brain. Meditation is a blessing in disguise in such crucial time. Regular practice of yoga and meditation help us to improve our quality of life. The purpose of this article is to describe what yoga and meditation are, their practices and their effects on physical and mental health.