If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Vitamin B12 is an important B vitamin.
This can lead to a number of symptoms and can even progress to irreversible neurological issues if left untreated. In the United States and United Kingdom, approximately 6% of adults aged 60 or younger have vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. May Prevent Major Birth Defects
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the beginning stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Furthermore, maternal vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to premature birth or miscarriage 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 Summary Appropriate vitamin B12 levels are key to a healthy pregnancy. They’re important for the prevention of brain and spinal cord birth defects.
Pernicious Anemia
Without intrinsic factor, your body cannot absorb vitamin B12.
Symptoms include:
Weakness
Pale skin
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Fever
Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
Loss of balance
Confusion, memory loss, and moodiness
Vitamin B12 supplements in high doses, either given as injections or orally, are prescribed to treat pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia can be a dangerous condition and should always be treated by a doctor. However, researchers do not know whether high homocysteine levels actually cause heart disease.
People who are concerned about heart disease should try to get enough B vitamins from healthy foods. However, in some cases doctors recommend taking B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels. If you are worried about heart disease, ask your doctor whether taking a B vitamin supplement would be right for you.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
One large study found that women who took 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12, along with 2500 mcg of folic acid and 500 mg of vitamin B6 daily, reduced the risk of developing AMD, an eye disease that can cause loss of vision. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, more research is needed.
One preliminary study indicated that people with chronic fatigue syndrome might benefit from B12 injections. Breast cancer
Although there is no evidence that vitamin B12 alone reduces the risk of breast cancer, population studies have shown that women who get more folate in their diet have lower risk of breast cancer. Vitamin B12 works with folate in the body, so it may help reduce breast cancer risk.
Another preliminary study suggested that postmenopausal women who had the lowest amounts of B12 in their diet had an increased risk for breast cancer. Male infertility
Studies suggest that vitamin B12 supplements may improve sperm counts and sperm’s ability to swim. More research is neede.
What Is Vitamin B12?
The Importance Of Vitamin B12
The Three Main Vitamin B12 Benefits Are:
DNA synthesis: DNA contains the genetic code that makes us human. The entire functioning of the body depends on DNA. As healthy DNA can delay the onset of aging, vitamin B12 benefits can include retaining youth and vitality.
Rbc synthesis: RBCs or red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The functions of vitamin B12 include the production of healthy RBCs. Nerve tissue synthesis: The importance of vitamin B12 extends to the nervous system as well.
Nerve cells contain a long filament called an axon that connects to other nerve cells or muscles. To prevent cross-connections, axons are insulated with a layer called the myelin sheath. However, the body cannot make vitamin B12 which is why we need to get it from external sources like our diet or a supplement.
Some good sources of dietary vitamin B12 include:
Seafood
Poultry
Eggs
Milk and dairy products
Fortified breakfast cereal
Nutritional yeast
A vitamin B12 supplement can be administered through an injection as oral supplements tend to not be effective. The importance of vitamin B12 has to be taken seriously so as to ensure that everyone gets their daily requirement. However, good health depends on a well-balanced diet that contains all essential nutrients.
A daily fitness routine can also go a long way in keeping our minds and body healthy. You can check out more health resources on our Activ Living Page and the Mindfulness section.