10 Science-Backed Health Benefits Of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is one essential element our bodies need but cannot produce. Here are 10 reasons why this nutrient is paramount for our health.

Luckily, the vitamin also known as cobalamin is found naturally in various animal products such as beef, poultry, and fish, among others. Additionally, it is ample in leafy green vegetables and nuts.

B12 is also available as a prescribed medication or dietary supplement. You’ll find it in most pharmacies and drug stores.

The Health Benefits Of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy. It is also involved in DNA synthesis, the genetic material in all cells.

Its deficiency can lead to serious health problems such as anemia.

Research studies have shown that most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet.

However, some individuals may not obtain an adequate amount of this nutrient. The reasons vary; perhaps they do not eat animal products, or their bodies cannot absorb B12 properly.

That’s why the experts at PureHealth Research advocate supplementing this vitamin if one develops conditions related to its deficiency.

Now that you have started appreciating the importance of this vitamin, let’s discuss some of the health benefits associated with it:

1. Prevents Anemia

People suffering from anemia often feel weak and fatigued. They have pale skin, irregular heartbeats, and might have shortness of breath from slight activity.

Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. You must understand that red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Without enough oxygen, the body cannot function properly.

Vitamin B12 is critical in producing healthy red blood cells, which helps prevent anemia.

2. Enhances Energy

If you have been experiencing the abnormal sensation of fatigue after undertaking simple duties, maybe your body is not absorbing enough vitamin B12.

The nutrient is a great natural energy enhancer. It helps the body to convert food into energy, thus reducing tiredness.

Therefore, if you think your fatigue is abnormal, you may need to increase your vitamin B12 intake. Before you do that, though, make sure to consult with your doctor first.

3. Reduces The Risks Of Cancer

Cancer is among the leading causes of death across the globe. Unfortunately, poor diets and irresponsible living habits are some factors that have escalated the incidence of this disease.

For this reason, we need to include foods rich in Vitamin B12 in our meals. The nutrient helps reduce the risks of colorectal, skin, and breast cancer, among others.

4. Protects Against Heart Disease

Heart diseases such as high blood pressure and arrhythmia have affected society to a large extent. The primary cause of hypertension is plaque formation in the arteries.

Luckily, healthy living and consuming an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 help keep blood pressure under control and prevent plaque build-up in the vessels.

Plaque can narrow the arteries, which leads to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, getting enough of this vitamin can help to protect against some serious health conditions.

5. Prevent Strokes

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, so anything that can help to prevent it is beneficial.

Vitamin B12 helps to thwart strokes by reducing the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of stroke.

Older adults tend to have inadequate vitamin B12 in their bodies. Studies show that deficiency plays a role in ischemic strokes.

6. Boosts Oral Health

Research studies have identified that vitamin B12 is essential in enhancing oral health. It helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

B12 also helps to keep your mouth moist and reduces bad breath.

Therefore, do not neglect your daily intake of products rich in vitamin B12. Bad teeth can impact your health in more ways than one.

7. Regulates The Nervous System

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the nervous system function properly. It prevents conditions like anxiety and depression.

This vitamin is also vital for brain health. It helps to protect the brain from age-related damage and improve cognitive function.

Advanced clinical studies have found that vitamin B12 helps the body to produce myelin, a substance that protects nerve cells.

Studies link vitamin B deficiencies to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

8. Keeps Hair, Skin, And Nails Healthy

One of the health benefits of vitamin B12 is that it helps produce keratin. That’s the protein that aids the growth of hair, skin, and nails. Keratin is also responsible for making these tissues strong and elastic.

If you notice that your nails are brittle or that your hair is dry and dull, you might have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

9. Maintains A Healthy Digestive System

If your digestive system is not functioning properly, you may develop various conditions, such as constipation. Animal products rich in vitamin B12 are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

B12 helps the body to break down food and absorb nutrients. It also supports the production of enzymes that are necessary for digestion.

Without enough vitamin B12, the digestive system can become sluggish and unable to operate correctly.

10. Aids In DNA Synthesis

Vitamin B12 is essential for many processes in the body, including DNA synthesis. This process is vital for cell growth and repair, and the vitamin helps to ensure that it occurs smoothly.

The vitamin also plays a role in regulating the immune system and producing energy. Without these processes, important body functions such as cell repair might be halted.

Therefore, if you want to boost your immunity, ensure to balance your diet with an equitable distribution of B12 vitamins.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that offers a host of health benefits. From supporting a healthy immune system to improving cognitive function, the vitamin plays an important role in keeping your body working optimally.

If you think you might be deficient in vitamin B12, talk to your doctor about getting tested and starting supplementation.

Alternatively, you can consult your nutritionist and get a comprehensive guide on some food products you require to boost your cobalamin intake.