what is vitamin b12 complex benefits

Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin

and has a lot to do with keeping nerve tissue, brain function and cardiovascular systems all happy and healthy. Vitamin B12 can also help regulate adrenal fatigue issues, promote healthy metabolic function, assist in enzyme production, DNA synthesis and maintain hormonal balance.

Full Answer

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 makes vitamin B12 important for the body?

Vitamin B12 is also a necessary co-factor in 3 important biochemical reactions:

• The conversion of methylmalonic acid to succinyl coenzyme A
• Conversion of homocysteine to methionine
• And, conversion of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate.

How can you benefit from vitamin B12?

Steps for Preparing Any Vitamin B12 Injection

• After cleaning both the injection site and the top of the vial, you should fasten the needle onto the end of the syringe. ...
• Turn the vitamin B12 solution upside down to that when you insert the needle into the vial, it is going upwards towards the sky.
• Pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to fill it with air until it reaches your suggested dosage.

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Which vitamin B12 supplement is the best?

Best Vitamin B-12 Supplements: Our Picks. 1. Best Vegan Vitamin B-12 Supplement: LiveWell Vegan B-12 Drops. 2. Best Gluten-Free Vitamin B-12 supplement: Transparent Labs’ RawSeries Vitamin B Complex. 3. Best Vitamin B-12 Chewable Tablets: Jarrow Formulas Methyl B-12. 4. Best Fast-Dissolving Vitamin B-12 Supplement: Natrol Vitamin B-12. 5.

What is B12 complex good for?

As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex may help prevent infections and help support or promote: cell health. growth of red blood cells.

When should I take B12 complex?

“Take water-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach with a glass of water,” recommends Dr. Perez-Gallardo. And since it can be energizing, Dr. Perez-Gallardo says that the best time to take vitamin B12 is in the morning, so it won't affect your sleep.

Is vitamin B12 good to take 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.

How often should I take B12 complex?

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.

What is the difference between B12 and B complex?

The difference between Vitamin B12 and B Complex is that Vitamin B12 is just one of the eight B vitamins that form the B complex. Together, the set of 8 B vitamins that make up the B complex are presented in the optimum balance to provide the recommended daily amount.

Is it OK to take B complex everyday?

Since B vitamins are water-soluble, it's unlikely that you will consume too much of these nutrients through food or by taking a B-complex supplement as directed. However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B vitamins could lead to serious side effects.

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 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...

Does B12 give you energy?

Vitamin B12 along with B6 are best for energy. Almost every cell in the body uses B12. Besides helping form red blood cells, B12 converts fat and protein to energy. A B12 deficiency causes tiredness and anemia.

When should I take B Complex morning or night?

morningThe best time to take B vitamins is after you wake up. Some data suggest that taking vitamin B in the afternoon can affect your sleep. To avoid a B-complex affecting your sleep, you should take your B vitamins in the morning, preferably with a meal to maximize their absorption.

What are the side effects of vitamin B complex?

Vitamin B Complex Side effects:Stomach Cramp.Rashes.Itching.Dizziness.Trouble in breathing.Vomiting.High blood sugar levels.

Does vitamin B complex make you gain weight?

In most cases, taking a B vitamin will not lead to weight gain. However, people who are deficient in vitamin B12 might notice the scale creep upwards once they start supplementing. That's because loss of appetite is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency.

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.

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.

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 the name of the supplement that contains all eight B vitamins?

Nutritional supplements that contain all eight B vitamins are referred to as B-complex vitamins . Here are the health benefits of B-complex vitamins as well as dosage recommendations and potential side effects.

How many B vitamins are in one pill?

B-complex supplements usually pack all eight B vitamins into one pill. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body does not store them. For this reason, your diet must supply them each day. B vitamins have many important functions and are vital for maintaining good health.

What vitamins are needed for pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the demand for B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, grows to support fetal development ( 9. Trusted Source. ). In women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, supplementing with a B-complex vitamin is crucial.

What vitamins are good for antidepressants?

B vitamins may also enhance treatment response when given in combination with antidepressant medication. One study found that supplementing patients with a vitamin containing B12, B6 and folic acid led to a more enhanced and sustained antidepressant response over one year, compared to a placebo ( 30. Trusted Source.

What is the best source of vitamin B6?

Liver, fish, yogurt and avocado are all good sources ( 4 ). B6 (pyridoxine): Pyridoxine is involved in amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production and the creation of neurotransmitters. Foods highest in this vitamin include chickpeas, salmon and potatoes ( 5 ).

Can B3 cause liver damage?

However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B-complex vitamins could lead to serious side effects. High doses of supplemental B3 (niacin) may lead to vomiting, high blood sugar levels, skin flushing and even liver damage ( 34. Trusted Source. ).

Does low B12 cause depression?

Note that low blood levels of certain B vitamins, including B12, B6 and folate, have been linked to an increased risk of depression, which is why it’s important to rule out nutrient deficiencies if you are experiencing symptoms of depression ( 31. Trusted Source. , 32. Trusted Source.

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.

How to take vitamin B complex?

How to use VITAMIN B COMPLEX. Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are taking a brand that contains vitamin C, take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) ...

What are the B vitamins?

B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin / niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid .Some brands of B vitamins also contain ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, or zinc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist ...

What is B12 used for?

Vitamin B12 functions as a cofactor for two enzymes, methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase [ 1-3, 5 ] . Methionine synthase catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to the essential amino acid methionine [ 1, 2 ].

How much B12 is in a multivitamin?

Multivitamin/mineral supplements typically contain vitamin B12 at doses ranging from 5 to 25 mcg [ 22 ]. Vitamin B12 levels are higher, generally 50–500 mcg, in supplements containing vitamin B12 with other B-complex vitamins and even higher, typically 500–1,000 mcg, in supplements containing only vitamin B12.

What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of clinically evident vitamin B12 deficiency around the world [ 11, 43 ]. The incidence of pernicious anemia in the United States is an estimated 151 per 100,000, and this condition is more common in women and in people of European ancestry [ 43 ].

What is B12 parenteral?

Parenteral administration is typically used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia as well as other conditions (e.g., tropical sprue, pancreatic insufficiency) that result in vitamin B12 malabsorption and severe vitamin B12 deficiency [ 5 ].

How long does it take for a vitamin B12 deficiency to appear?

Because the body stores about 1 to 5 mg vitamin B12 (or about 1,000 to 2,000 times as much as the amount typically consumed in a day), the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can take several years to appear [ 7, 33 ].

What is the most common form of vitamin B12?

The most common form of vitamin B12 in dietary supplements is cyanocobalamin [ 1, 3, 22, 23 ]. Other forms of vitamin B12 in supplements are adenosylcobalamin, methylcobalamin, and hydroxycobalamin [ 22 ]. No evidence indicates that absorption rates of vitamin B12 in supplements vary by form of the vitamin.

Why is vitamin B12 not UL?

The FNB did not establish a UL for vitamin B12 because of its low potential for toxicity [ 1 ]. Even at large doses, vitamin B12 is generally considered to be safe because the body does not store excess amounts.