Vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient that helps keep the blood and nerve cells healthy, however, our bodies cannot produce it on their own. This vitamin also plays a key role in making DNA, which is the genetic material that all of the cells in our bodies contain. Vitamin B12 has many benefits for our health and it mainly also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia – a blood condition that makes people tired and weak. Overall this micronutrient is very important for our health and if we have vitamin B12 deficiency we will most likely experience bad side effects.
1. Helps With Red Blood Cell Formation and Prevents all types of Anemia
This micronutrient has an important role in helping your body produce red blood cells. In case there are not adequate levels of it in your system, that can lead to a reduction in red blood cell formation and even prevent them from properly developing.
This is why if you are anemic, your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your vital organs. Furthermore, this condition leads to experiencing bad side effects like fatigue and weakness throughout the whole day.
2. Vitamin B12 is important because it could help reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration
This condition is an eye disease that most of all affects your central vision. However, there are some findings that if you maintain adequate levels of vitamin B12, that could help prevent the risk of Macular Degeneration.
According to research, if you supplement daily with vitamin B12 that can lower homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is found in your bloodstream. This is important because in some studies it was found that elevated homocysteine levels could be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.
3. Could improve mood and symptoms of depression
Vitamin B12 is important for synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, which is a chemical responsible for regulating mood. Furthermore, if you suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, that may lead to decreased serotonin production and cause depression.
According to studies, supplementing with vitamin B12 can improve symptoms of depression in people who are deficient in this micronutrient. However, research does not currently say if this vitamin could have the same effect in those with normal B12 levels.
4. Vitamin B12 may benefit brain activity by preventing the loss of neurons
According to research, Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to memory loss, especially in older people. The vitamin could potentially help prevent brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in that area and is often associated with memory loss or dementia. In a regulated study of people with early-stage dementia was found that a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed the process of mental decline.
Summary
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that your body doesn’t create on its own. That is why you have to obtain it through diet or supplements. This micronutrient is responsible for the normal functioning of many systems inside the body. It has various health benefits if it is taken in healthy amounts. Keep in mind that if you don’t get enough of this vitamin through your diet or supplements, you will most likely experience bad side effects.
