Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is known to have several benefits to the body. This nutrient helps the body’s nerve and blood cells in order to help synthesize DNA, which comprises the genetic material in the body. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it gets excreted through the urine on a daily basis.
This is also one of the reasons why it is vital to supplement vitamin B12 since it is necessary and is easily depleted. In fact, this nutrient is necessary to support many of the body’s daily activities.
Here are some of the benefits that you can reap out of having sufficient amounts of Vitamin B12:
Improves Energy Levels
One of the benefits you can get out of having enough vitamin B12 is the improvement of energy levels. If you feel like your energy is chronically low, chances are you are not getting enough Vitamin B12. Along with the other B Vitamins, this nutrient is known for its ability to keep you alert and energized.
Did you ever notice that some drinks and health products endorse this nutrient? That is because vitamin B12 is necessary to digest nutrients in order for us to have stored energy.
Makes You Feel Good and Reduces Depression
Vitamins such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are known to alleviate symptoms of depression. A lack of certain nutrients in your body can cause your emotions to fluctuate such that your work, daily routine, and relationships get affected because you are grumpy, depressed, and not feeling in general.
Only your doctor can know for certain. But it is also good to know that your feelings can have a happy turn of events when you have all the nutrients you need in your body.
Vital in Protein Metabolism
Vitamin B12 is vital in the process of metabolizing protein, which is necessary for almost all parts of the body. Deficiency of vitamin B12 affects you during your later years as protein dwindles dramatically over the years. This is why you need to supply your body with the needed protein as well as the ample amounts of nutrients including vitamin B12 to help in protein metabolism.
Vital for Digestion
Vitamin B12 is vital for the digestive system to function properly. Constant constipation and a sluggish digestive system are some of the symptoms you get out of being deficient of vitamin B12.
Improves Brain Health
Vitamin B12 is known to help stave off and treat Alzheimer’s disease. It is also known to have benefits for the brain and helps prevents brain shrinkage which can be a catalyst for conditions like dementia in your later years.
Improves the Skin, Nails, and Hair
Vitamin B12 helps repair skin cells and benefits the look of your skin. It can also help reduce acne and other blemishes. Vitamin B12 is also often added to hair products because of its ability to add luster and shine to your hair.
It is also good for your nails. Since Vitamin B12 is vital in protein synthesis which is necessary to keep the skin, hair, and nails healthy, it would be a great addition to your daily diet or supplements.
Helps Regulate Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Vitamin B12 helps regulate cholesterol levels and may even reduce your need for cholesterol-lowering drugs. High blood pressure can also benefit from as this nutrient helps regulate both cholesterol levels and blood pressure to a healthy level. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Helps Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Since Vitamin B12 helps reduce cholesterol, it helps keep your arteries clear and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and strokes. If you have a family history of stroke, this vitamin can help you reduce that risk. Vitamin B12 can also benefit your circulation and cardiovascular health.
Since nerves are affected when a person suffers taking Vitamin B12 can be very beneficial in terms of promoting the recovery of and metabolize protein for DNA in order to maintain the cells in perfect health, which then benefits the nervous system.
Fights Cancer
Vitamin B12 helps in preventing certain cancers. Lung, prostate, breast, and colon cancers are among those of cancers wherein the body will benefit when taking this nutrient. Vitamin levels must be checked and be at the right level when you suffer cancer in order to promote an immune response.
What are the Risks Associated with Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is considered a safe and non-toxic nutrient. However, other B vitamins can cause problems in large doses. Side effects are possible with any food product, supplement, or medication since everyone reacts differently to different products that we take in. Some people may react negatively to a certain vitamin such as Vitamin C or Vitamin B3. Some side effects can be felt.
The worst known side effects Vitamin B12 include nausea, diarrhea, rashes and vomiting. This rarely when it does, it is often due to the kind of Vitamin B12 used which is which is often used in injections. Pregnant women, lactating women, and those who are using specific medication for serious those concerning the gut, should consult a doctor or a licensed medical practitioner before taking huge doses of vitamin B12 as a safety precaution as it might meddle with medication or might not be absorbed due to digestive problems.
However, no serious side effect has been documented in taking Vitamin B12. This can possibly be because Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Almost like how Vitamin C is digested in the body, Vitamin B12 gets excreted through the urine whether you like it or not. It is a water- needs to be replenished each day. This is also why using vitamin patches are helpful for those who have because absorption is at its best when it is in a patch form. So far, supplementation of Vitamin B12 has been proven safe and there have been no serious risks that have been recorded.
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References:
Vitamins, S. (2016). Vitamin B12 Benefits - B12 Vitamin | Dr. Weil. ] DrWeil.com. Available at: http://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/vitamin-b12-vitamin-facts/ [Accessed 7 Dec. 2016].
. (2016). 14 Surprising Benefits of Vitamin B12 | Bembu. ] Available at: http://bembu.com/vitamin-b12-benefits [Accessed 7 Dec. 2016].
Center, G. (2016). Does Vitamin B12 Have Side Effects?. ] Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Available at: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/vitamin-b12-side-effects/ [Accessed 7 Dec. 2016].