Benefits of vitamin B12: Getting enough vitamin B12 is crucial for a healthy body, but do you know why? Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin our body cannot produce alone. Its deficiency can be sneaky and harmful as it involves vital body processes and has impressive benefits. So let’s dive deep into the world of vitamin B12.
EXPLORE 12 AMAZING BENEFITS THAT MAKE IT A TRULY ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT.
1. Helps With Red Blood Cell Formation
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs, where it gets expelled. Without sufficient healthy red blood cells, you develop a condition known as anemia with symptoms including fatigue, weakness, and irregular heartbeat. Now for the production of healthy red blood cells, vitamin B12 is required. Its deficiency causes abnormal and immature red blood cell formation, resulting in nutritional deficiency anemia, also known as megaloblastic anemia.
2. Reduce Your Risk of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease in which your retina deteriorates over time, causing blurry vision. It is one of the leading causes of severe, permanent vision loss. Getting adequate vitamin B12 can reduce the risk of macular degeneration as it affects one of its main risk factors, homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine level is associated with age-related macular degeneration, and vitamin B12 has the potential to decrease its level and promote healthy eyesight which is the benefits of vitamin b12.
Learn more about Macular Degeneration Prevention tips
3. Benefit Your Brain by Preventing the Loss of Neurons
Vitamin B12 deficiency as a cause of cognitive issues is more common than we think, especially among elders. It protects the aging brain by supporting the production of new nerve cells and promoting healthy nerve health. It prevents brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and is often associated with dementia.
That also synthesizes neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that the benefits of vitamin B12 supplements reverse the symptoms and slow the mental decline in people with early-stage dementia.
4. Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression
One study found that vitamin B12 improved mental health in people with depression by reducing their symptoms, especially those focusing on sadness and hopelessness. Another study showed that the benefits of vitamin B12 supplementation improved memory, concentration, and mood in people with low levels of this vitamin.
It is believed that vitamin B12 plays a role in regulating the production of brain chemicals like dopamine, which is responsible for regulating emotions. One theory suggests that low vitamin B12 may contribute to an imbalance in dopamine production, leading to mood swings or depression.
5. Support Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis
The benefits of Vitamin B12 supports bone health by increasing bone mineral density and inhibiting osteoclast activity. It is essential for the formation of new bone tissue, as well as the maintenance of the existing bone structure. It is also involved in regulating blood homocysteine levels, which may play a role in the development of Osteoporosis.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research shows that people with vitamin B12 deficiency also have lower bone mineral density. Therefore, it is vital to maintain adequate vitamin B12 levels for healthy bones and a lower risk of Osteoporosis.
6. Prevent Major Birth Defects
Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. It prevents DNA damage and reduces the likelihood of congenital disabilities. A study published in 2009 found that among pregnant women who were deficient in vitamin B12, there was an increased risk of a neural tube defect (NTD) in infants.
So if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, ensure you get sufficient vitamin B12 in your diet. You can also take its supplements after consulting with your physician. We’ve made it halfway through our list, and we sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed it so far.
7. Supports Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails
In the world of beauty, you, indeed, are what you eat. What you put into your body is reflected through your skin, hair, and nails. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 reduces dark spots and discoloration by encouraging skin cell regeneration.
It increases iron absorption, supports red blood cell production, and ensures a proper supply of oxygen, which results in increased hair and nail growth and a natural glow. However, if you are well-nourished and not deficient in the vitamin, Then taking its supplement will not benefit you, and you should visit a dermatologist to find the actual cause.
8. Promote weight loss
Vitamin B12 is the forgotten hero of the fat-fighting world. This often-overlooked vitamin has plenty to offer in fighting against fat, especially regarding weight loss. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that B12 supplementation is effective in weight loss and reducing body fat in obese adults. It supports a lean physique by boosting metabolism and converting fats and carbohydrates into energy, energizing you and assisting with weight management.
9. Improve Heart Health by Decreasing Homocysteine
Lower vitamin B12 linke to higher levels of amino acid homocysteine in the blood. It damages arteries, and veins, including ones around the heart, and is visible as the marker of the early development of heart disease. Also, a study published in the journal Nutrients shows that a low level of B12 is associated with increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, thus increasing your risk of heart disease.
10. Supports a Healthy Immune system
If your immune system seems pretty weak to the flu or any other virus that comes your way, there is something you can do to strengthen your immune system and make sure that it gets over these viruses faster next time they come around: Take lots of Vitamin B12! Vitamin B12 boosts immunity because it keeps the body’s natural killer cells strong and healthy.
These cells attack viruses, bacteria, and other harmful intruders, so the body does not get sick. A study published in the Central European Journal of Immunology shows that vitamin B12 is an immunomodulator for cellular immunity and ensures it gets the oxygen it needs for proper functioning.
11. Prevents Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissue in your mouth. They heal on their own in a few days or weeks, so there is nothing to worry about. But if you are getting recurrent canker sores, it may indicate B12 deficiency.
Studies show that the duration of outbreaks, the number of ulcers, and the pain level are significantly reduced with the treatment of vitamin B12. That is because low vitamin B12 causes damaged and impaired red blood cells resulting in problems transporting oxygen throughout the body and causing canker sores.
12. Give You an Energy Boost
People deficient in B12 often feel tired, weak, and have low energy levels. Increasing the consumption of this vitamin improves energy levels by boosting oxygen to the cells and helping to remove cellular waste like carbon dioxide. It is also involved in the energy production in your body.
It enables you to metabolize protein, fats, and carbohydrates into simple sugar, giving your body the fuel it needs for daily tasks. The body needs vitamin B12 for proper functioning. The best way to ensure you are getting enough Vitamin B12 is through a comprehensive diet.
Conclusion
That includes plenty of meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. But if you are not getting enough through your diet alone, you might consider taking a vitamin supplement. Vegans should take particular care to consume enough vitamin B12, as it is mainly present in animal products, and deficiency is common in people following a vegetarian diet with no supplements.