2. May Prevent Major Birth Defects
Studies show that a fetus’s brain and nervous system require sufficient B12 levels from the mother to develop properly. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the beginning stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, such as neural tube defects. For women with a vitamin B12 deficiency and levels below 150 mg/dL the risk was five times higher, compared to women with levels above 400 mg/dL They’re important for the prevention of brain and spinal cord birth defects.
Health Benefits
Reduced Risk of 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.
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. Brain Health
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the neurons in the brain.
In one randomized trial, older adults with early-stage dementia who were given vitamin B12 supplements to lower their blood homocysteine levels demonstrated a slower rate of cognitive and clinical decline.
How Much To Get?
1) Metabolism
Vitamin B12 acts as an enzyme cofactor, which means it helps boost your body’s energy production, making it faster and more efficient. B12 also plays a major role in helping the body convert fats and proteins into energy.
It’s easy to see why people who have a B12 deficiency can suffer from symptoms of fatigue and weakness.