Maintaining good nutrition habits contributes to better health and can even boost productivity. Plus, it aids in preventing a number of illnesses and conditions. This is why taking vitamins and minerals, like B12, is recommended as a source of preventive care and maintenance.
B vitamins, including B12, plays a vital role in giving individuals their day-to-day energy and helping promote a healthy metabolism. This also serves a critical role in improving one’s nerve function as well as in the formation of blood cells within the body.
There are numerous benefits that come with taking a B12 supplement. Interested in investing more in your health and wellness? Get to know more about this vitamin and what it can do for you and your body by reading on.
What is B12?
Vitamin B12, otherwise known as cobalamin, is a type of water-soluble vitamin that helps keep the body’s blood and nerve cells stay healthy. Apart from serving a crucial role in cell formation and metabolism, this vitamin also caters to nerve function and the production of DNA.
Because of its role in cell formation and metabolism, it prevents the onset of megaloblastic anemia which makes people ill and weak.
Common sources of this particular vitamin come from a wide range of foods like meat, fish, poultry, and even dairy products. These include beef liver and clams, as well as a number of breakfast cereals available in the market today.
While the Mayo Clinic maintains it is difficult to reach B12 deficiency, those observing veganism or vegetarianism are prone to suffer from this primarily because plants and plant-based food normally do not contain B12 vitamins.
Likewise, older individuals are also susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency due to a deteriorating digestive tract that comes with old age, thus resulting in ineffective absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
The recommended daily dose of this vitamin is 2.4 micrograms for adults, while pregnant women and lactating moms are required to get an intake of 2.6 and 2.8 micrograms respectively.
Benefits of Taking Vitamin B12
Just as this vitamin is found almost everywhere, you can enjoy the health benefits it offers without much hassle. Below are some examples of what B12 can do.
Sustain Energy
This vitamin can help enhance the energy because it helps convert food to glucose, which aids in providing you with the energy and sustenance you need. This is particularly helpful for athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle as it can increase endurance.
Without this, people may suffer not only from feelings of tiredness and weakness, but also undergo a loss of appetite, weight loss, and even megaloblastic anemia. Individuals may likewise experience nerve problems such as the tingling or numbness of hands and feet.
Boost Productivity
There have been studies that show B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and B12 play a vital role in preventing brain atrophy or further brain impairment in older aged individuals. Those who consumed this supplement showed that they have experienced less atrophy by at least two years.
As such, supplementation of this kind of vitamin can not only reduce stress, it can also boost productivity and brain function in individuals. In particular, it can improve memory, speed, and attention, especially those who are working.
Prevent Dementia
B12 is associated with slowing and even preventing the onset of dementia as well as low cognitive function. Taking this supplement can significantly lower levels of homocysteine in the blood, a possible contributing factor for a person’s mental decline.
Maintain an Uplifting and Happy Disposition
Individuals who receive adequate B12 vitamins are also more likely to exhibit a happier disposition compared to those who suffer from deficiency. Those with low levels may experience depression, confusion, apathy, and even dementia-like symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know more about vitamin B12, incorporating this supplement into your diet on a daily basis can bring you a wealth of health benefits. From addressing deficiency to giving you energy as well as boosting productivity, this vitamin is sure to be a valuable addition to your life.
To enjoy its benefits, consider taking a dedicated vitamin B12 supplement or adding more animal-based products to your diet.
