7 Health Benefits of Vitamin B12 Backed by Science

One of the essential vitamins that the body needs to function correctly but can’t produce on its own is cobalamin or Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is common in animal products, but many people prefer to intake it as injections or oral supplements. In some specific cases, it is added to foods. This Vitamin plays a variety of roles in ensuring proper physiological functions. It aids the proper functioning of nerve cells.

 

It is also an essential component needed for the formation of red blood cells or RBCs. It also supports the synthesis of DNA. The recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg. However, the recommended levels are significantly higher for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding their babies. The seven most important health benefits of B12 are as follows:

It May Aid Brain Function By Reducing Neuron Loss

The deficiency of this type of Vitamin often accompanies the loss of memory, especially among older adults. One of the benefits of b12 5000 mcg pills is that it prevents the brain’s atrophy caused by brain neurons’ loss. Such atrophy is often accompanied by dementia or loss of memory.

Helps Prevent Birth Defects

Adequate levels of this Vitamin are essential for a healthy pregnancy. As per medical findings, the unborn baby’s brain and nervous system need acceptable B12 levels to develop correctly. Suppose there is a lack of this Vitamin in the initial days of pregnancy. In that case, it may lead to congenital disabilities like improper development of the neural tube. Additionally, deficiency in B12 during pregnancy may even lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Formation Of RBC And Prevention Of Anemia

This form of Vitamin is critically essential in the production of RBC or red blood cells. People with low levels of Vitamin B12 are likely to experience reduced RBC formation. It even prevents the RBCs from developing correctly. Their small and circular shapes characterize healthy RBCs. When there is a lack of this Vitamin in the body, it results in oval-shaped RBCs. Such larger forms hinder their movement from the bone marrow at the rate required by the body and lead to megaloblastic anemia. In this medical condition, the body cannot transport adequate oxygen to the vital organs resulting in weakness and fatigue.

Probably Reduces Risks Of Developing Macular Degeneration

A person’s central vision is affected by this variety of eye disease, and sufficient B12 levels may help keep the age-related eye disease at bay. According to researchers, Vitamin B12 supplements result in lower homocysteine, an amino acid typically found in a person’s bloodstream. Higher levels of this amino acid have been associated with a greater risk of developing macular degeneration due to natural aging. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with several conditions that accompany age.

May Have A Role In Bone Health And Avoid Osteoporosis

You need to maintain sufficient levels of this Vitamin for your bone health as well. Medical studies have found that deficiency in this Vitamin also results in less than the bone’s average density of minerals. Lack of mineral density in bones means they become fragile and delicate over time, increasing osteoporosis risks.

Enhances Mood And Alleviates Depression Symptoms

This Vitamin may also serve to enhance your mood as well. However, the relationship between the vitamin variety and its effect on mood is not fully understood yet. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the synthesis and metabolism of serotonin, an essential chemical that regulates a person’s mood.

 

A deficiency of Vitamin B12 potentially results in decreased serotonin production, which might lead the afflictions in the person’s mood. Medical research has found Vitamin B12 supplements to alleviate the symptoms of depression in people with low levels of the Vitamin.

May Boost Your Energy

If you are looking for a sudden boost in your energy levels, this is the Vitamin you want. Note that all of the B vitamins play a critical role in producing energy by the body but are not necessarily energy sources themselves. B12 can indeed work wonders for people with low energy and vitamin levels. But there is little scientific evidence that would suggest that they work for people with adequate vitamin levels as well. One of the very first symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels is the lack of energy or fatigue.

Human beings must obtain the water-soluble Vitamin B12 through food or supplements for the proper functioning of the body. It works to support many critical body functions and can potentially better your health in a wide variety of ways. It is imperative to get adequate Vitamin B12 levels from your diet. If you fail in that, you should consider supplementing your diet with proper pills or medication.