8 Reasons Why Vitamin B12 Is Necessary For Good Health

Are you feeling fatigued during the day? If yes, then you just might be missing out on an important vitamin. Our bodies shouldn’t be ready to sleep until bedtime, so if you have to lay your head down on your desk during the day for a snooze, then you could be low in this important vitamin.

Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining energy levels and the formation of red blood cells. Although you can get your recommended intake through diet alone, supplementing B12 may benefit a number of people, especially if you’re following a plant-based diet. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that’s crucial for many vital metabolic and hormonal functions — including the production of digestive enzymes and carrying important nutrients into and out of cells. Due to how it helps convert and synthesize many other compounds within the body, it’s needed for well over 100 daily functions.

Clinical studies reveal that one in four adults are deficient in Vitamin B12, the energy nutrient that your body needs to carry out essential functions. Vitamin B12 deficiency is believed to be one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, especially among people taking stomach acid-altering medications and antibiotics frequently, along with the elderly and sometimes vegetarians and vegans.

For this reason, B12 injections are sometimes used to offset the many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as fatigue and weakness, poor moods, and low concentration.

You should know that Vitamin B12 is one of those vitally important nutrients that have a significant impact on your health. It affects every aspect of the way your systems function – from how your cells form to how you feel every day. Providing support for your nervous and immune systems is one of the many benefits of Vitamin B12.

Without adequate amounts of this vitamin, your body’s ability to perform its job deteriorates. You won’t have enough physical, emotional and mental energy to survive through the day.

Formation of Red Blood Cells

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of B12 can result in fewer red blood cells forming and also prevent cells from developing fully.

Red blood cells are an essential part of the blood. They carry oxygen through the body and also remove carbon dioxide from the lungs. When your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells, you can become anemic. Signs of anemia can include dizziness, weakness, headaches, and shortness of breath. Although there are several different types of anemia, generally, they can be caused by either blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, or faulty or decreased red blood cell production.

Support Bone Health

Maintaining proper levels of B12 may help support bone health and prevent osteoporosis. One study with more than 2,500 participants found that people with lower than normal B12 levels had lower bone mineral density.

Decreased bone mineral density is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. As bone mineral density decreases, bones can become fragile over time. Other research shows that there is a link between low levels of B12 and osteoporosis, especially in women.

Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression

The precise effect B12 has on mood isn’t entirely clear yet. However, it does appear to have an effect on synthesizing serotonin, which regulates mood. Therefore, low levels of B12 may lead to less serotonin production, which may cause a depressed mood.

One study found that the risk of depression was double in people with a B12 deficiency. B12 supplements may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression in people with a B12 deficiency. As people with a B12 deficiency tend to experience mood changes, it’s essential to maintain optimum levels of the B vitamin.

May Benefit Brain Health

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to memory loss, particularly in older adults. The vitamin may help to prevent memory loss. One study found that a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids slowed down mental decline in patients with early-onset dementia.

More research is needed to conclude the effects B12 has on brain health and memory loss. But, we know that B vitamins like B12, B6, and folate are all important brain vitamins.

Increase Energy

All B vitamins play a role in energy production and maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Although vitamin B12 doesn’t give you an energy surge like you would get from a cup of coffee, it’s essential for your energy levels. One of the most common symptoms of a B12 deficiency is fatigue and a general lack of energy.

May Improve Heart Health

Vitamin B12 works alongside B6 and folate to reduce homocysteine. Homocysteine is a protein that can build up in the blood and eventually damage the artery walls, therefore playing a role in heart disease. When B12 levels are low, homocysteine can build up in the blood, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Support Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

As vitamin B12 plays an essential role in cell production, it’s crucial for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Low levels of vitamin B12 can result in a ton of dermatologic symptoms like hyperpigmentation, hair changes, nail discoloration, a loss of skin color in patches, and cracked mouth corners.

Research suggests that supplementing vitamin B12 has been shown to improve dermatologic symptoms in people with a B12 deficiency. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 supports healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Healthy Nervous System

Vitamin B12 keeps your nervous system in good working order. When you’re deficient in vitamin B12, you may experience pins and needles in your extremities or numbness and tingling. Vitamin B12 helps to produce myelin which is a fatty sheath that protects your nerve endings. When you’re deficient in vitamin B12, your nerves can’t function properly.