Health Benefits
- Eczema. When applied to the skin, vitamin B12 may help fight eczema. ...
- Heart Disease. Taking vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine (an amino acid thought to increase heart disease risk when it is present in elevated levels).
- Cancer. Early research indicates that vitamin B12 may protect against some forms of cancer. ...
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency. ...
Full Answer
What are the health benefits of taking B12?
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
What are the side effects of vitamin B12 supplements?
Side effects of vitamin B12 can also include symptoms similar to those of a cold, such as coughing, low energy, wheezing, and breathing difficulties after minor physical exertion or after lying down. Other rare reactions involve the muscles, including muscular cramps, muscle weakness, muscle soreness, and tingling.
What is the best vitamin B12 to take?
You can take vitamin B12 in various ways, including:
- Oral capsule or tablet
- Sublingual (dissolved under tongue)
- Chewable pill
- Nasal gel
- Injected intramuscularly by your health care practitioner
What are the advantages and disadvantages of vitamin B12?
Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include ( 1 ):
- Older adults
- People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
- Those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery
- People on a strict vegan diet
- Those who take metformin for blood sugar control
- Those taking proton pump inhibitors for chronic heartburn
What are the benefits of B12 supplements?
9 Health Benefits of Vitamin B12, Based on ScienceHelps With Red Blood Cell Formation and Anemia Prevention. ... May Prevent Major Birth Defects. ... May Support Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis. ... May Reduce Your Risk of Macular Degeneration. ... May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression.More items...•
Is it good to take vitamin B12 daily?
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 advantages and disadvantages 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 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...
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.
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
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.
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.
Does B12 help with cholesterol?
Helps with Cholesterol- By helping to keep your cholesterol levels down, vitamin B12 may be able to reduce your need for cholesterol lowering drugs. If your doctor has told you that you’re low on this nutrient, they may have also given you a list of foods that contain extra amounts of B12 for you to start eating more of. If they didn’t, we’ve got you covered with our own list of vitamin B12-rich foods.
Does Vitamin B12 help with constipation?
Good for the Digestive System- Vitamin B12 assists the digestive system in its proper functioning, and you’ll notice that if you don’t get enough of it you are more prone to constipation and a sluggish digestive system.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
benefiting multiple metabolic functions, including enzyme production, DNA synthesis and hormonal balance. maintaining healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems. Because of its wide-reaching roles within the body, a deficiency in this essential vitamin can lead to a range of symptoms, including: chronic fatigue.
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 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.
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).
Does B12 help with Lou Gehrig's disease?
Lou Gehrig's disease ( amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS). It is unclear if high dose vitamin B12 injections slow the decline of health in people with ALS. Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Early research shows that applying a vitamin B12 cream (Regividerm) to the affected area twice daily helps treat eczema.
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.
Can B12 cause nerve pain?
Nerve damage in the hands and feet caused by cancer drug treatment. Early research shows that taking B vitamins that include vitamin B12 along with cancer drugs doesn't prevent nerve pain caused by cancer drugs. A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD).
Why is B12 important?
The single best reason to take a vitamin B12 supplement is to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency — which can lead to a number of symptoms and even long-term health issues, such as chronic fatigue, mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, heart issues, anemia and neural tube defects in infants.
How to boost B12 levels naturally?
Remember that you can also naturally boost your vitamin B12 levels by consuming more food sources of vitamin B12, including beef liver, organic meats and wild-caught salmon.
What is B12 shot?
Helping improve concentration/focus. Treating pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 shots or high oral doses of vitamin B12 are usually used in this case). During pregnancy, ensuring that the mother and unborn baby both get enough vitamin B12, which is important for brain development and other functions.
What is the best vitamin for energy?
There’s a reason that vitamin B12 supplements are some of the most popular supplements on the market. Vitamin B12 benefits include increasing energy levels, improving mood, protecting memory and more. While it’s certainly possible to get all the vitamin B12 you need naturally from B12 foods like grass-fed meats, eggs and wild-caught fish, ...
What causes B12 to be absorbed?
Avoid eating animal products, which are the richest sources of B12. Have pernicious anemia, which means they don’t make intrinsic factor that’s needed to absorb vitamin B12.
What age can you take B12?
People who can benefit most from taking a vitamin B12 supplement include those who: Are over the age of 50 , since aging can result in a decline in hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, which is needed to absorb the vitamin B12 present in foods. Have had gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery.
What foods are good for B12?
It’s ideal to get vitamin B12 from food sources, whether or not you choose to also supplement. Some of the best B12 vitamin foods include beef liver, sardines, Atlantic mackerel, lamb, wild-caught salmon, nutritional yeast, cheese, beef and eggs.
