Vitamin B12 supports essential health functions, and deficiency is a serious concern. With the help of this vitamin, red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, are produced.

Some people are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. These include vegetarians and vegans, older adults, and people taking medications that interfere with absorption.

Promotes a Healthy Nervous System

Vitamin B12 forms the sheaths surrounding nerve fibers, called myelin. The sheaths help ensure the proper transmission of signals between nerve cells.

Experimental animal studies show that neurotropic B vitamins (including B1, B6, and B12) support nerve regeneration, promoting functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. They also stimulate myelin sheath regeneration and protect against Wallerian degeneration responses.

Between 1.5% and 15% of the general population is vitamin B12 deficient, resulting in symptoms like megaloblastic anemia, weight loss, weakness, depression, and neurological changes. The most common causes of deficiency include a diet low in animal products, such as those followed by vegans and vegetarians, some health conditions that inhibit stomach acid production, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, and certain medications like proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Supports Red Blood Cell Formation

Did you know that Vitamin B12 is essential for producing red blood cells? Red blood cells are necessary for maintaining overall health and well-being because they transport oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate levels of vitamin B12, a person experiences anemia, which can result in weakness and fatigue. Low B12 levels also cause significant, misshapen red blood cells that cannot quickly exit the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, known as megaloblastic anemia.

The body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin B12, so people need to get it through diet or dietary supplements. Anemia, including pernicious anemia, can result from a vitamin B12 deficiency. The intestinal lining is damaged by this autoimmune disease, which prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12. High doses of B12 shots may also lower homocysteine levels, although epidemiological studies haven’t shown a direct relationship between these two factors.

Supports the Body’s Immune System

 B12 helps the body’s immune system fight viruses and bacteria. It supports the function of lymphocytes and phagocytes, which play critical roles in recognizing and destroying pathogens. Research has indicated that a deficiency of B12 vitamins lowers the number of white blood cells that fight infections.

Researchers have also found that protein malnutrition inhibits the body’s immune response, and B12 supplementation significantly reduces this effect after 30 days. It is essential for cancer patients who may experience protein malnutrition due to their anticancer medications.

The best source of Vitamin B12 is a well-balanced diet. If you cannot meet your needs through dietary sources, vitamin B12 supplements are available in many forms and can be prescribed by doctors. Vitamin B12 supplements are highly recommended for people of all age groups. Nonetheless, older adults must take the required precautions to prevent complications as they are more likely to develop a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Supports Mood

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is one of 8 water-soluble vitamins essential for the human body and supports healthy mood. Studies show that people who consume high amounts of Vitamin B12 are less likely to experience depression. High-quality B12 supplements typically come in methylcobalamin and are better absorbed than the cheaper, less effective cyanocobalamin in many multivitamins and B-Complex formulas.

Folate and Vitamin B12 are essential in synthesizing monoamine neurotransmitters, which affect the brain’s mood. Fatigue, depression, and irritability can result from low levels of these nutrients. However, a change in diet and supplements cannot replace proper mental healthcare. A combination of diet, exercise, and professional treatment is necessary to maintain mental health.

Supports Brain Function

According to studies, vitamin B12 helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and supports brain function. It also lowers homocysteine levels, which are connected to a higher risk of heart disease, and aids in the body’s production of healthy red blood cells.

Water-soluble vitamin B12 is exclusively present in animal-based diets and dairy products. Vegetarians and people with certain digestive disorders can become deficient in vitamin B12. Supplementation may be needed through oral tablets or injections. It has been found that low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to depression. However, more research is required to prove that taking B12 supplements can help with depression. It is thought that a low level of B12 can contribute to depression by interfering with the way the brain works.