The Health Benefits of Vitamin B12

Do you want more energy? Better memory? Protect yourself from heart disease? Then you need vitamin B12. Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is an important vitamin that the body cannot produce. This vitamin is found in almost all animal products and is also a nutrient added to certain kinds of food. You can take vitamin B12 as a supplement in oral or in injection form.

Vitamin B12 improves red blood cell formation

Vitamin B12 can prevent anemia. It plays a very important role in the production of red blood cells. Low vitamin B12 levels can lead to reduced red blood cell formation and development. Regular red blood cells are plump and small but when the body is deficient in vitamin B12, these cells become large and oval. And because of this shape, red blood cells are unable to move from the bone marrow to the bloodstream, causing anemia. People with anemia experience weakness and are easily fatigued.

Vitamin B12 may improve energy and mood

Vitamin B12 is said to play an important role in the synthesis of serotonin which can regulate and improve mood. Deficiency of this vitamin may contribute to depression. A study on people with depression and decreased vitamin B12 showed that those who were medicated with antidepressants then supplemented with vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved mood and reduced depressive symptoms compared to those who only took antidepressants.

Vitamin B12 can boost your memory

This vitamin can prevent brain atrophy which is associated with memory loss. People who were diagnosed with early-stage dementia showed that taking vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids can slow down the development of its symptoms. A study further showed that even a small decline in vitamin B12 can lead to poor memory.

Vitamin B12 may prevent osteoporosis

Adequate amounts of vitamin B12 can support bone health. A study revealed that people with reduced levels of this vitamin have lower than normal bone mineral density. This can lead to delicate and fragile bone development and can increase the risk of suffering from osteoporosis.

Reduces the risk of birth defects

Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy brain and nervous system development for the growing fetus. Studies showed that mothers with reduced vitamin B12 levels are more likely to give birth to babies with neural tube defects and may even suffer from miscarriage.

Vitamin B12 can boost heart health

Vitamin B12 deficiency elevates homocysteine levels which increase risks of suffering from heart diseases. However, there are no studies that show supplements to be effective in reducing homocysteine levels. Further research should be done to fully understand the effects of vitamin B12 on heart health.

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