Have you heard about a particular vitamin known as Vitamin B12? You need to know more and include them in your daily routine if you haven’t! These vitamins are very beneficial for improving one’s heart health, mental health, skin, nails, hair, and more! And the best part? They are very affordable and are available in most supplement store Canada!
Wish to know more about these vitamins before you start taking them? Then read on as we explain what it is, who needs them, and their major benefits! So let’s get started!
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 refers to a water-soluble vitamin also known as cobalamin. This vitamin is an essential product but is not naturally produced in our body. It is mainly found in animal products and some other food items. It can also be obtained by injection or from oral supplements. This vitamin helps in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and helps to regulate the normal functioning of our nerve cells.
Who Needs Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is mainly needed by elderly individuals above the age of 60. But it can also be found in the following individuals –
- People suffering from gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Individuals with gastrointestinal surgeries like bowel resection surgery or bariatric surgery
- Individuals following a strict vegan diet
- Individuals with chronic heartburn
- Individuals taking metformin to control their blood sugar levels
- Pregnant women
These individuals mentioned above run a high risk of suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus, they need to take Vitamin B12 supplements to fill in these gaps.
Here are some scientifically proven Vitamin B12 benefits that will encourage you to include this helpful supplement in your daily routine.
Benefits of Vitamin B12
- Helps To Prevent Anemia
As we discussed earlier, Vitamin B12 helps form healthy red blood cells in our body.
Red blood cells need to be round and small to be considered healthy. However, those who suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin B12 will have larger oval-shaped red blood cells. Due to this irregular, large shape of the cells, they cannot move freely in the bloodstream. This causes megaloblastic anemia, causing an irregular supply of oxygen to our vital organs.
Thus, if you suspect or do suffer from anemia ( symptoms include extreme weakness and fatigue), check your level of Vitamin B12 and get started on its supplements immediately.
- Prevents Birth Defects
Vitamin B12 is essential for those who are pregnant. According to several studies, it has been found that women need adequate Vitamin B12 in their system to help the fetus develop a healthy nervous system and brain. Any deficiency of this vitamin might lead to congenital disabilities like neural tube defects or even miscarriage or premature birth.
- Prevents Osteoporosis
Studies have found that Vitamin B12 helps to support bone health. Weak bones with less mineral density become fragile and delicate, leading to osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 can help your bones become more robust by increasing their mineral density, thus saving you from such painful illnesses.
- Improves Mood and Depression
While not enough studies have been conducted in this region, it is said that Vitamin B12 can improve our mood and improve the symptoms of depression. B12 helps in the metabolism and synthesis of serotonin in our body. This chemical, in turn, makes us happier, improving our mood.
- Improves Nails, Skin, and Hair
An adequate amount of Vitamin B12 is required by our body to improve our nails, skin, and hair. This is because this vitamin helps produce healthy cells preventing conditions like vitiligo, nail discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and others.
- Prevents Loss of Neurons
With age, it is often found that people suffering from Vitamin B12 deficiency also suffer from memory loss. This is because this vitamin helps prevent brain atrophy, the loss of neurons associated with dementia, or memory loss. Thus, it is important to include Vitamin B12 supplements in your daily routine as you grow older. It will prevent the loss of neurons, helping you prevent dementia.
- Reduces Risk of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease that affects one’s eyes, precisely their central vision. Studies have found that taking adequate Vitamin B12 can help reduce this risk of macular degeneration with age. This is because this vitamin lowers homocysteine, an amino acid that eventually deteriorates our vision.
- Boosts Energy
Vitamin B12 has always been hailed as the go-to supplement to get a boost of energy. This is mainly due to two reasons. Firstly, all B vitamins help in energy production. Secondly, people with B12 deficiency are more lethargic than usual. Thus, if you are feeling particularly weak or exhausted, you should talk to your doctor and get started with a dose of Vitamin B12 supplements.
- Improves Heart Health
Individuals with high levels of homocysteine in their blood have been found to run a higher risk of heart diseases. And as we discussed earlier, the level of homocysteine can be regulated with the help of Vitamin B12. Thus, if your family’s medical history contains a streak of heart diseases, we suggest getting started with Vitamin B12 supplements as soon as possible. This way, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases yourself.
Note
We always suggest talking to your doctor before you start any course of vitamins and supplements. So get an appointment with your doctor today to discuss before you start taking your Vitamin B12 supplements! Your doctor or dietician can suggest the best supplements available in the market and give you a suitable dosage for the same.
Conclusion
We can conclude that Vitamin B12 is a beneficial supplement that one must include in their daily routine – from food items or supplements. It is beneficial for individuals who already suffer from a deficiency or run a high risk. So what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest vitamin & supplements store and get hold of these Vitamin B12 supplements today!
