Vitamin B12 is among the essential vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy and function better. It helps regulate your nerve cells’ function and plays an important role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
Unlike many other nutrients and vitamins, your body cannot produce vitamin B12 on its own. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body canβt make on its own, so you need to get it from your diet, supplements like B12 drops, capsules, and injections.
Vegetarians, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and others at risk of deficiency, may want to track their diets closely to make sure theyβre getting enough.
Short of B12?
If your diet lacks vitamin B12, then it is time for you to make some changes to your diet. In this article, I have mentioned a few health benefits of vitamin B12 that will help you realize its importance. Letβs take a look:
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Anemia Prevention
Vitamin B12 is important for your red blood cell formation, and if your diet lacks vitamin B12, your blood cells can experience slow development.Β
This not only reduces the number of your blood cells but also produces weaker red blood cells that can cause problems for you. Red blood cells are usually round and tiny, but if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, your body will start producing bigger and oval-shaped red blood cells.
This will slow the formation rate and cause megaloblastic anemia, which means the cells will move from your bone marrow to the bloodstream slower. That is why it is recommended that you add vitamin B12 to your diet.
Improves Bone Health
Even though a lot of research is still needed to be done, there are indications that vitamin B12 can improve your bone health.
Several studies have shown that the lack of vitamin B12 is not good for your body and can make your bones weaker. In one study with over 2000 adults, it was observed that participants with vitamin B12 deficiency also had low mineral bone density.Β
It is speculated that vitamin B12 can help you maintain bone health and avoid conditions like osteoporosis.
Helps Fight Depression
Many studies have shown that vitamin B12 can also affect your mood and can significantly improve it. People dealing with depression can use vitamin B12 to reduce the symptoms and maintain their mental health.
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Researchers have linked vitamin B12 with serotonin and have stated that vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect serotonin production. One study showed that people who took antidepressants with vitamin B12 showed better results.
To get more vitamin B12, you can improve your diet, or you can simply use vitamin B12 drops or injections.
May Prevent Neuron Loss
Another possible benefit of vitamin B12 could be that it can help improve your brain function. It does this by preventing the loss of neurons.Β Many dementia-related studies in the past have linked memory loss with vitamin B12 deficiency. It is believed that vitamin B12 can help one protect their memories by keeping their neurons healthy.Β
However, there is a lot we still donβt know, and researchers will have to dig deeper to find out how exactly vitamin B12 can prevent memory loss.
Bottom Line
Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that your body needs for many essential functions. It can be found in large amounts in certain animal products, fortified foods, and dietary supplements. Some of the richest sources are liver, beef, sardines, clams, and dairy products. However, many people, especially vegans and pregnant women may be deficient and require additional supplementation. Whether you want to increase your vitamin stores or prevent deficiency, eating taking a supplement may considerably improve your overall health.
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