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what are the benefits of b 12

by Otis Rippin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of healthy red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.Oct 13, 2020

Full Answer

Supports Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails

Top Reasons to Supplement B12 Methylcobalamin

  • Prevent Megaloblastic Anemia
  • Help Prevent Neurological Diseases like Multiple Sclerosis
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Prevent Inflammation
  • Enhance Energy Levels
  • Improve Memory
  • Improve Metabolism
  • Improve the Health of Hair, Nails and Skin
  • Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

More Energy

When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, you can safely take higher doses. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.

Reduces Risk of Developing Neurodegenerative Disease

The Best Method to Increase Vitamin B12 Levels

  • Test for Deficiency. Vegetarians may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, despite the fortification of many common foods.
  • Eat Animal Products. Animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood and dairy foods, are the main source of cobalamin in the diet.
  • Use Dairy Substitutes. ...
  • Take Dietary Supplements. ...
  • Eat Fortified Foods. ...

Improve Your Mood

The main sources of vitamin B-12 in non-dairy products are plant foods such as:

  • milk,
  • yogurt,
  • cheese,
  • soy milk,
  • beans,
  • fortified rice milk, and
  • tofu.

Healthy Heart

What are the health benefits of taking B12?

What is the daily amount of B-12 you should take?

What can I do to increase B12 in my body?

What foods provide B12?

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What are the benefits of having B12?

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.

Is taking B12 everyday good for you?

When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.extreme tiredness (fatigue)lack of energy (lethargy)breathlessness.feeling faint.headaches.pale skin.noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)More items...

What are the benefits and side effects of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 benefits include forming red blood cells, preventing dementia, and reducing birth defects. Vitamin B12 is found in foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and fish. Side effects of B12 are rare but can include headaches, anxiety, and nausea.

What medications should not be taken with B12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers ...

Does B12 make your hair grow?

Studies suggest deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D, biotin, riboflavin, iron, and other nutrients are associated with hair loss ( 1 ). Eating a balanced diet that is rich in these vitamins and minerals may help promote hair growth, especially if you're experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition.

Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Fruits– Though fruits don't contain Vitamin B12; there are some which contain a very small amount of these vitamins like- Banana, apple, and berries....Top 10 Vitamin B12 foods for Vegetarians:FoodsVitamin B12 (% of DV)Fruits5%Fortified cereals100%Yeast (quarter cup)290%5 more rows•Nov 23, 2020

Who will get the most benefit from a vitamin B12 supplement?

In people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or chestfeeding — especially those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets — supplementing with a B-complex vitamin is crucial. B12 or folate deficiency during pregnancy or while nursing can lead to severe neurological damage or birth defects in the fetus or infant ( 10 ).

What is the most common cause of B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach. An autoimmune condition means your immune system, the body's natural defence system that protects against illness and infection, attacks your body's healthy cells.

Are there any downsides to taking B12?

However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

How long does it take for B12 vitamins to start working?

It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.

Can vitamin B12 cause heart problems?

Macrocytosis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is also associated with fatal and non-fatal coronary disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and other circulatory health problems.

Why do we need to eat fiber?

That’s why you’ll want to eat foods that are both high in fiber and that also contain the right mix of vitamins. Promotes Healthy Skin- Vitamin B12 provides great benefit to the skin, helping to soothe skin conditions and keep your skin looking its best. Getting the right mix of B vitamins can help conditions ranging from dryness ...

What is the role of vitamin B12 in the body?

Helps Metabolize Proteins- One of the main features of vitamin B12 is that it plays an active role in protein metabolism, which trickles over into several areas of the body.

Why is vitamin B12 added to hair products?

Makes Hair Healthier- Vitamin B12 is often added to hair products because of its ability to add shine and a healthy look. But what’s even better is to start meeting your needs through the foods you eat. That way your hair will naturally grow out as if you had used a topical treatment containing vitamin B12.

Why is B12 in energy drinks?

Along with the other B vitamins, B12 is known for it’s ability to keep you alert and feeling energized. That’s why some energy drinks include this in their ingredients.

Does vitamin B12 lower blood pressure?

Research shows that higher intakes of folate and vitamin B12 are linked to lower levels of blood pressure in preschool children. Helps Prevent Strokes- Research shows that vitamin B12 can help reduce the risk of stroke. If your family has a history of strokes, this is one vitamin you don’t want to miss out on.

Is B12 good for the brain?

Good for Brain Health- In addition to helping stave off and treat Alzheimer’s, vitamin B12 also provides health benefits for the brain, and helps prevent what is known as “ brain shrinkage ,” which can lead to conditions like dementia when you’re older.

Is vitamin B12 good for depression?

Luckily it’s somewhat rare to run a shortage on this vitamin, so in all likelihood you’re good. Reduces Depression- Many vitamins including vitamin D have been said to help with depression, and vitamin B12 is no different. This is such an important reason to make sure that all of your vitamins are at optimal levels.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is found in some foods, fortified food products, or dietary supplements. It helps the body create healthy red blood cells and nerve tissue, and it is also soluble in water. Vitamin B12 also helps your body regulate metabolism and maintain a healthy balance of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood.

Why do I need Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy cell division, DNA synthesis, and neurological function, and it also helps your kidneys function better. This vitamin cannot be found naturally in most food; it mostly comes from supplements or other sources.

What are some health benefits of Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of good blood cells. It also helps maintain a strong nervous system, as well as supports better mental health. In order to prevent conditions like anemia, Vitamin B12 is essential.

Best Vitamin B12 Supplements

There are many different vitamin B12 supplements, but how do you know which is best for you?

Conclusion – Vitamin B12 Health Benefits

Vitamin B-12 is required to develop red blood cells, cell metabolism, neuron function, and the generation of DNA.

What is the B12 nutrient?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of healthy red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.

What does lack of B12 do to your body?

A lack of B12 can put you at higher risk for a specific type of anemia that makes you feel weak and tired.

What happens if you don't take B12 during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Health. If a woman has a vitamin B12 deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy, her child is at an increased risk of neural tube birth defects and low birthweight. Mothers with low B12 levels are also more likely to miscarry or give birth prematurely. Women with low levels of vitamin B12 are three times more likely to have a child ...

Does vitamin B12 help with macular degeneration?

Supplementing with vitamin B12 is believed to lower homocysteine in the bloodstream, which may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause blindness in older adults. In one study of 5,000 women age 40 and up, those who took supplements of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid had 34% fewer cases of macular degeneration after seven years than a placebo group. Their risk of severe degeneration was 41% lower.

Does vitamin B12 cause depression?

Vitamin B12 plays a role in serotonin production, so a deficien cy may be connected with clinical depression. In one study, disabled older women with a B12 deficiency were found to have double the risk of severe depression as those without a deficiency.

Is B12 good for vegetarians?

Vitamin B12 is also found in animal products, such as eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, and some nutritional yeast products. Vitamin B12 does not naturally occur in most plant foods, so fortified breakfast cereals are recommended for vegetarians. Pagination. 1. 2.

Does B12 affect memory?

Another study found that low B12 levels, even within the normal range, contribute to poor memory performance. More studies are needed before researchers can be certain of the impact of B12 supplementation on memory loss and dementia. There is no known risk of harm associated with vitamin B12.

How to tell if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be hard to detect, especially considering how common the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency can be, such as feeling tired or unfocused. Symptoms may include: Constantly feeling tired or chronic fatigue. Muscle aches and weakness. Joint pain.

Why is vitamin B12 important for hair?

Needed for Healthy Skin and Hair. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails because it plays a major part in cell reproduction. Research suggests that vitamin B12 boosts skin health by reducing redness, dryness, inflammation and acne blemishes — and can be applied to the skin for psoriasis and eczema.

What vitamins help with homocysteine?

Homocysteine is an amino acid, and its levels in the blood are influenced by blood levels of B-complex vitamins, including B12. Vitamin B12 helps protect against heart disease like a heart attack or stroke by lowering high homocysteine levels in the blood.

What is the role of B12 in the nervous system?

It helps maintain the health of nerve cells — including those needed for neurotransmitter signaling — and helps form the protective covering of nerves , called the cell’s myelin sheath.

What percentage of people have low B12 levels?

About 40 percent of people have low levels of vitamin B12, which is an issue that needs to be addressed because this is an essential vitamin for the production of red blood cells and DNA, not to mention all the vitamin B12 benefits it provides.

Why is B12 important for your body?

1. Helps Maintain Energy Levels. Vitamin B12 benefits your metabolism because it’s needed to convert carbohydrates into useable glucose in the body. Glucose from carbohydrate foods is used as a form of energy, so this is the reason why people with deficiencies often experience fatigue.

Why is SAM-E important?

SAM-e is crucial for neurological function, dealing with stress and mood regulation. Vitamin B12 is also needed for concentration and cognitive processes, such as learning, so a deficiency can result in difficulty focusing and an increased risk for attention disorders. 4. Plays a Role in Maintaining Heart Health.

Overview

Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA, the molecules inside cells that carry genetic information.

Evidence

Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows:

Our take

Most people get enough vitamin B-12 from a balanced diet. However, older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people who have conditions that affect their ability to absorb vitamin B-12 from foods might benefit from the use of oral supplements.

Safety and side effects

When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.

Interactions

Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12.

What is B12 used for?

It is often taken in combination with other B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is most commonly used for vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which vitamin B12 levels in the blood are too low, as well as cyanide poisoning and high levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia).

How to reduce pain from canker sores?

Using an ointment containing vitamin B12 helps to reduce pain of canker sores. Also, early research shows that taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg under the tongue (sublingually) might help to reduce the number of canker sore outbreaks, the duration of outbreaks, and pain caused by the canker sores.

Does B12 help with osteoporosis?

Taking vitamin B12 and folic acid, with or without vitamin B6 daily for 2-3 years does not seem to reduce the risk of fractures in older people with osteoporosis.

Does B12 help with sleep?

Taking vitamin B12 by mouth does not seem to help people with sleep disorders. Memory and thinking skills (cognitive function). Taking vitamin B12, alone or with folic acid and vitamin B6, doesn't seem to improve memory, language, or the ability to organize and plan in elderly people. Fall prevention.

Does B12 lower homocysteine levels?

High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Taking vitamin B12 by mouth, along with folic acid and sometimes pyridoxine ( vitamin B6 ), can lower blood levels of homocysteine. Nerve pain caused by shingles ( postherpetic neuralgia ).

Does B12 cause lung cancer?

Some research suggests that higher levels of vitamin B12 in the blood might be linked with an increased risk for lung cancer. But not all research agrees. Pancreatic cancer. Vitamin B12, from supplements or foods, doesn't seem to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer. Psoriasis.

Does vitamin B12 help with nerve pain?

Diabetes. Early research suggests that vitamin B12 might improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Nerve pain in people with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Early research suggests vitamin B12 might help reduce pain in people with this condition.

Why is B12 in energy drinks?

But here's the most important part: One of the main reasons for Vitamin B12 deficiency is due to malabsorption of vitamin B12 in our GI tract.

What lipotropics can be combined with B12 shots?

The lipotropic that can be combined with B12 shots include Methionine, Inositol, and Choline. #4. Helps improve sleeping patterns & circadian rhythm. Another VERY important, and often under-appreciated benefit of methylcobalamin is how it affects your circadian rhythm.

What are the benefits of B12 shots?

Whether you realize it or not, B12 is a critical vitamin involved in very important processes in your body like energy production and metabolism. It's currently estimated that as many as 50% of people in the US have B12 deficiency or suboptimal B12 (1) levels in their body. ...

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

One of the most common symptoms of B12 deficiency is increased fatigue or lack of energy levels . What's interesting is that we know why this happens: Vitamin B12 (along with other B vitamins) is required for proper energy production in your mitochondria.

Why do we need B12 shots?

This is why one of the main benefits of taking B12 shots is increased energy levels. By taking a shot you are bypassing the GI tract and allowing for 100% absorption into the body straight into the cells (which is where B12 has its action).

Why is my metabolism slow?

The problem here is that most of you are walking around with a slower than normal metabolism due to a variety of factors. Low vitamin B12, low mitochondrial energy production, low thyroid hormone, a history of recurrent dieting, etc. have all been shown to slow down your metabolism.

How many people in the US have B12?

It's currently estimated that as many as 50% of people in the US have B12 deficiency or suboptimal B12 (1) levels in their body. This means that as many as 1 out of 2 people are walking around with sub-optimal energy levels and a slower than normal metabolism. It's no wonder that many patients who use B12 shots experience many benefits ...

Top Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections

Despite vitamin B12 being so essential for the healthful functioning of the human body, many people are unclear on exactly what this vitamin does for us. Understanding the role of B12 is key to knowing just how vitamin injections might be the solution for you.

Why Are So Many People Vitamin B12 Deficient?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is incredibly widespread. The USDA believes that nearly two-fifths of the population may have insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in their systems. It is vitally important to understand is why many people do not have enough vitamin B12 in their systems.

The Vitamin B12 Treatment

The basic vitamin B12 injection treatment is a shot that contains a high dose of vitamin B12. This treatment can quickly elevate the levels of B12 in the patient. To determine if a patient needs such an injection, blood work is usually done first.

Final Thoughts on Injections

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms or complications outlined in this article, we highly recommend you seek a consultation. Most of these symptoms can be reversed with a simple application of a vitamin B12 injection. Contact u s today to see if a vitamin B12 injection is a right choice for you.

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