Pft…Vitamin shmitamin. Are they really that important? In short, yes, yes they are! Vitamins can be integral to the overall health of our bodies and minds. When we are deficient in certain necessary vitamins, our bodily functions begin to deteriorate, leading to internal and external symptoms of degeneration.
For example, adequate levels of Vitamin B12 can help prevent neurological disorders, heart disease, and mood disorders. If you are interested in learning more about this incredible vitamin and its miraculous benefits, keep reading!
What is Vitamin B12?
The answer to “what is Vitamin B12” is rather straightforward. Also known as cobalamin, Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs, but oddly enough, cannot produce on its own. Yes, you read that correctly, your body requires Vitamin B12, but is unable to produce it and so pulls it from other natural sources such as animal products. Of course, in today’s day and age, it is also available as an oral supplement or injection.
Vitamin B12 is necessary for your body as it enables red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nervous system function, brain function, and the production of DNA.
Is Vitamin B12 a Fat or a Water-Soluble Vitamin?
Like other B vitamins, Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin, meaning it is dissolvable in water and can travel through the bloodstream. Luckily, Vitamin B12 can be stored in the body for up to 4 years and excess amounts can be discarded via urine.
Where Vitamin B12 is Found Naturally
Those who eat healthier and have a varied diet are unlikely to be at risk for severe deficiency in Vitamin B12. There are several different food sources for Vitamin B12 including the following animal products:
- Poultry;
- Meat;
- Fish;
- Eggs;
- Dairy products.
Vitamin B12 is also commonly added to certain plant foods such as milks, grains, or fortified breakfast cereals. If you are a vegan or have a limited diet, your Vitamin B12 intake is most likely limited and you should make an effort to include sources of Vitamin B12 in your diet.
Is Vitamin B12 Good for You?
Vitamin B12 is not only good for you, but required for tip top health! If your Vitamin B12 levels become too low, then a number of symptoms may appear and even lead to irreversible neurological issues. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can wreak havoc on several body operations, including cognitive function and red blood cell formation.
Thus, Vitamin B12 is very good for you!
Benefits to Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 has many benefits such as:
- Boosting your energy;
- Improving your memory;
- Helping prevent heart disease.
Essential for healthy blood, Vitamin B12 leads to the production of normal functioning red blood cells and oxygen delivery. Adequate blood levels of Vitamin B12 can improve your overall health, mood, and appearance!
Thus, Vitamin B12 is very good for you!
#1: Assists in the Formation of Red Blood Cells?
When it comes to producing red blood cells, Vitamin B12 is a major player. Without Vitamin B12, your red blood cells cannot properly form. Healthy red blood cells are round and small; however, without the necessary amounts of Vitamin B12, immature red blood cells become large and oval. With such an usual shape, the cells cannot quickly move from bone marrow to bloodstream, causing megaloblastic anemia. Who knew that the shape of a tiny cell mattered so much?
#2: Prevents Anemia
As previously stated, by helping the formation of red blood cells, Vitamin B12 also prevents anemia. When you are anemic, it means that your body does not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your vital organs.
Anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
#3: Prevents Heart Disease
None of us particularly like the sound of the words “heart disease.” While some may think of cardiovascular disease as an inescapable fate, there is evidence to suggest vitamin supplementation may prevent this deadly foe.
High homocysteine levels, a common amino acid, are linked to increased risk of heart disease. When significantly deficient in Vitamin B12, your homocysteine levels are elevated. Thus, taking Vitamin B12, can decrease homocysteine levels and reduce risk of heart diseases. Unfortunately, research regarding the link between Vitamin B12 and reduced risk of heart disease is not conclusive and further scientific evidence is required to confirm this relationship.
#4: Promotes Bone Health
According to recent studies, adequate Vitamin B12 levels may also support bone health. In one study, 2,500 adults demonstrated that those with a Vitamin B12 deficiency suffered from lower than normal bone mineral density. When bones have decreased mineral density, they can become delicate and fragile, leading to increased risk of osteoporosis.
#5: Prevents Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Yet another unfortunate age-related illness, macular degeneration affects your central vision. Luckily, it has been shown that adequate Vitamin B12 levels may prevent the risk of age-related macular degeneration. By lowering homocysteine, which is associated with increased risks of age-related macular degeneration, Vitamin B12 helps decrease your likelihood of developing this eye disease.
According to a study conducted with 5,000 women aged 40 or older, supplementing with Vitamin B12, boosted by folic acid and vitamin B6, the risk of macular degeneration decreases.
#6: Boosts Your Energy Levels
Many of us have suffered from depressive moods. Interestingly, Vitamin B12 may also be linked to mood improvement. While not yet fully understood, Vitamin B12 is involved in the process of synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin. As serotonin is responsible for regulating our moods, increased blood levels of Vitamin B12 may lead to increased serotonin production and decreased depressive feelings. One study showed that those suffering from depression and low Vitamin B12 levels were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms when treated with both antidepressants and Vitamin B12 supplements, compared to those treated with only antidepressants.
Not only does Vitamin B12 lighten your mood, but it also offers a surge of energy. While there is no current evidence that Vitamin B12 supplements can boost energy in those with sufficient blood levels of the vitamin, if you have significant Vitamin B12 deficiency, supplements will likely improve your energy level!
By helping with both depression and energy production, taking Vitamin B12 supplements will certainly improve the lives of those with Vitamin B12 deficiencies.
#7: Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair Health
If Vitamin B12 has still not seemed important, do not turn your attention away yet! This seemingly miracle vitamin can improve your external appearance by promoting healthy skin and hair health.
Necessary for cosmetic appearance, Vitamin B12 levels prevent various dermatological conditions such as hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, hair changes, the loss of skin color in patches, and inflamed or cracked mouth corners. If your prized porcelain is starting to crack, then supplementing with Vitamin B12 may improve dermatological symptoms. Unfortunately, you will only see improved skin, nail strength, or hair health conditions by taking supplements if you are deficient in Vitamin B12. Even miracle vitamins have limited power.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Should I Be Worried?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be problematic, leading to risk factors such as:
- Anemia;
- Fatigue;
- Muscle weakness;
- Intestinal problems;
- Nerve damage;
- Cognitive decline or memory loss;
- Reduced immune function;
- Mood disturbances.
If you take less than 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 daily, then you may suffer from symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. While Vitamin B12 deficiency is not life threatening in and of itself, permanent deficiency may lead to other function failure, resulting in heart disease or megaloblastic anemia.
For pregnant women, lack of Vitamin B12 is much more dangerous as it is integral to a baby’s brain and nervous system development. Without adequate Vitamin B12 during pregnancy, you may increase the risk of birth defects and premature birth or miscarriage.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may be preventing you from normal function and healthy living. To begin your journey towards Vitamin B12 adequacy, seek medical advice from a health care professional.
Our Myers' Cocktail IV Treatment Will Provide You with the Adequate Vitamin B12 Levels!
Myers’ Cocktail IV drip therapy, named for the late John Myers, M.D., is an infusion into the blood vessels that is filled with multiple types of vitamins and minerals.
By injecting the mixture into the vein system, your body’s blood concentrations receive higher levels of vitamins, such as Vitamin B12. The IV cocktail therefore works more effectively than if the mixture had to travel through the digestive system via oral ingestion. If you believe you are suffering from a folate deficiency, digestive disorders, pernicious anemia, or severe Vitamin B12 deficiency, then Myers’ Cocktail IV may be just the treatment for you!
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