Vitamin B12 Supplements
Vitamin B12 is one of eight B vitamins needed for a range of important bodily functions. It is found naturally in animal products and fortified foods, or can be taken in supplement form or administered via injection.
"Vitamin B12 is vital to the human body, which requires it to produce new DNA, red blood cells, proteins, hormones, and fats," explains nutritionist Heather Mangeri, a registered dietitian. "Vitamin B12 is must important for nerve health. It's part of the B-vitamin complex, which includes thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate. Each of these vitamins hava its own outstanding role
in the body, but your body's Most B vitamins have a role in helping cells produce energy.
What is Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, helps in the proper functioning of the body's blood cells and nerves System.
The vitamin is also known to prevent megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia that makes people frail. Studies have shown that a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to this condition.
Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the body in two phases. This vitamin is attached to a protein in food. Hydrochloric acid present in the stomach dissociatevitamin B12 from this protein. The vitamin then combines with another protein made by the stomach (called intrinsic factor). After that it gets absorbed in the body.
Individuals with pernicious anemia (deficiency in red blood cells) may be deficient in vitamin B12 because their bodies do not have the ability to produce intrinsic factor.
Vitamin-B12 is important for performing various entirely functions. We will discuss them in Deep and detail in next section.
WHY DO WE NEED VITAMIN B12 Suppliments?
Making Red Blood Cells-
Vitamin B12 helps in the generation of red blood cells (RBC). Without enough vitamin B12, red blood cells do not divide normally and become too large. This makes it difficult for them to exit the bone marrow.
This can result in fewer red blood cells in the bloodstream to carry oxygen to the body, causing a person to feel tired and weak. This condition is also called pernicious anemia and if left untreated, it can damage the brain, heart and other organs of the body.
Improve Hair Health-
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been observed in people with hair loss. At the base of the hair cellule, we have tiny blood vessels that connect to the base of each hair. These blood vessels carry oxygen to the hair, which leads to hair growth and hair loss.
May give you an energy boost-
All B vitamins play an important role in your body's energy production, although they don't necessarily provide energy themselves.
Currently, there are no scientific reason that vitamin B12 supplements can boost energy in people with adequate levels of this vitamin.
On the other hand, if you are severely deficient in vitamin B12, taking a supplement or increasing your intake will improve your energy levels.
In fact, one of the most common early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue or lack of energy.
Help Maintain Bone Health-
Low plasma levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to decreased bone mineral density in humans. Studies suggest that the vitamins may affect bone generation. It has also been linked to bone-forming cell activity.
High homocysteine levels & low vitamin-B12 levels have also associated with osteoporosis. Since vitamin B12 helps lower homocysteine levels, it play a beneficial role.
Prevent major birth defects-
Starting pregnancy with a vitamin B12 insufficiency may increase risk of neural tube deficiency in the newborn. This can also lead to preterm delivery. If there is not enough vitamin B12 available in the mother's milk, the newborn may also be deficient. However, these implications require further research.
Women with vitamin B12 levels below 300 ng/L are at increased risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects. Raising B12 levels beyond this may reduce the risk.
Vitamin B12 is needed to make new maternal and fetal cells and to prevent neural tube defects in the newborn. It works in tandem with folate to achieve this.
For Skin Health-
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with skin changes. The most common symptom is hyperpigmentation.
Other cutaneous complications of this deficiency include vitiligo and other skin lesions.
Vitamin B12 can also help in the treatment of some serious skin diseases. One study found that vitamin B12 cream can reduce the extent and severity of eczema. This was especially true in the case of eczema in children.
You can get the cream from a pharmacy. Apply it on affected areas twice in a day. Make sure you consult your doctor. B12 also reduces inflammation and its side effects, and this is one reason it may counteract eczema.
For Heart Health-
Vitamin B12 has shown potential as a treatment for heart disease. The nutrient reduced homocysteine (a particular amino acid), high levels of which can increase the risk of ischemic heart disease.
B vitamin deficiencies, in general, were associated with higher homocysteine levels and an increased risk of stroke. It can also reduce long-term costs associated with expensive medical treatments.
ARE VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENTS SAFE?
Vitamin B12 supplements are generally considered safe when taken in appropriate amounts.
Your body absorbs only what it needs, and because the vitamin is water-soluble, any excess is passed out in the urine.
For this reason, the NIH has not set a limit on how much vitamin B12 a person can safely take in a day. According to the National Library of Medicine, topical application to the skin is also safe for the treatment of psoriasis.
However, this does not mean that vitamin B12 is 100% without risk.
Vitamin B12 might increase the chance of narrowing of the artery around a stent (a device that widens a blocked artery) and it could potentially damage the optic nerves, causing a rare hereditary condition called Leber's disease. Blindness can occur in people with
