Vitamin B-12 Is the Do-It-All Supplement We All Need in Our Lives
You've probably noticed vitamin B-12 on nutrition labels or have read about it in passing, but do you know what it does? There are eight different B vitamins, but B-12 is responsible for keeping your heart healthy, your energy up, boosts your mood, and so much more. And surprisingly, 20% of the population is deficient in the vitamin, and 10-30% of older persons are unable to absorb it (as well as vegetarians, since many foods rich in B-12 are animal-derived like fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, and low-fat and fat-free milk) which is why B-12-fortified diets and supplements are often recommended (but speak with your doctor before changing your diet or taking supplements).
If it all still just looks like letters and numbers to you, take a look below at the amazing benefits this B vitamin has on your body—it may just be the very addition you need.
It Boosts Cognitive Function
In one study, 39% of diabetic patients studied saw reduced symptoms of nerve damage, especially when given B-12 both intravenously and orally, wherein two-thirds of patients saw a decrease in nerve damage. (Generally practitioners recommend around 500 mcg of B-12 three times per day.)
Also, B-12 is a component of the myelin sheath, the nerve's protective cover, which inherently helps shield neurotransmitter signals. In other words, if your B-12 levels are low, your cognitive functioning isn't at its best.
It Protects Your Heart
When combined with folic acid, B-12 significantly reduces levels of homocysteine, an indicator of heart disease risk and possible subsequent death.
It increases energy
After being injected with 2000-2500 mcg of B-12, patients with chronic fatigue reported higher energy levels, improved stamina, and an improved sense of wellbeing a day after administration and had results last up to three days. Supplements did not prove to be nearly as effective (if at all) for energy, though.
It Boosts Your Mood
One study found a direct correlation between depression and B vitamin levels, in which patients who had higher levels of B-6 and B-12 were less likely to be depressed. Both vitamins are essential for the formation of serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals that are important for keeping mood balanced.
It Promotes Healthy Digestion
Individuals who have a B-12 deficiency are more likely to experience atrophic gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach which could lead to nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper abdomen. Hence, healthy levels of B-12 aid in proper digestion.
It Affects Your Skin and Nails
While more studies need to be done, researchers found that B-12 deficient individuals experienced hyperpigmentation and hair changes, including hair loss. It's believed that B-12 promotes hair growth and healthy skin because of its ability to produce new cells, including red blood cells.
NatureMade B12 ($19)
Ask your doctor if you're a candidate for B-12 supplementation.
Next up, check out the beauty supplements we can't stop raving about.
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