Mega Bored
Vitamin B12 is a type of water-soluble B vitamin that aids in some of the most important chemical processes in the body, including maintaining healthy red blood cells and nerves. Although vitamin B12 is found in many types of foods we eat, it’s possible for some people to develop vitamin B12 deficiency.Vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely rare because the liver has the natural ability to store a couple of years’ worth of Vitamin B12. But certain types of people are more vulnerable to vitamin B deficiency than others.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegetarians, chronic drinkers, and heavy smokers usually develop vitamin B12 deficiency over time. Aging may also play a role in being deficient in vitamin B12. In some cases, people with certain types of medical conditions are not able to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently.
Patients with pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and those with either bacterial overgrowth or parasites in the small intestines may be unable to process this B vitamin well. As such, it’s important for people who cannot process B12 vitamin to take supplements.
Vitamin B12 supplements come in many forms, the most popular being tablets, capsules,and patches.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Anemia
Vitamin B12 is instrumental in keeping the red blood cells healthy and functioning properly. Deficiency in vitamin B12 may result in anemia, a condition when there is an imbalance between red and white blood cells in the body.
Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen keeps the brain, lungs, and heart functioning normally. However, if not enough oxygen is dispersed in major organs, it could lead to a number of health complications ranging from infertility, weak nervous system, and health problems, just to name a few.
Chronic Fatigue
When the body is not getting enough oxygen through the blood, a person may feel chronic fatigue followed by general weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite—and in severe cases—depression and low sperm count in men.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B12
Boosts Energy
Vitamin B12 plays a central role in converting carbs from the food we eat into energy. By taking vitamin B supplements or using patches, you will feel more energized throughout the day. You will also experience less fatigue.
Improves Brain Functions
Vitamin B12 helps keep the brain active. When there’s a steady flow of oxygenized blood in the brain, you will feel alert and focused. Vitamin B12 also helps minimize stress and anxiety, inhibiting the development of common mental problems like depression. Clinical tests also reveal that vitamin B12 helps prevent brain shrinkage!
Prevents Heart Problems
Vitamin B12 helps prevent heart problems because it helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the body. Using vitamin B12 patches or taking supplements cut the risk of developing certain types of heart diseases—including stroke and heart attack—and lowers blood pressure.
Prevents Certain Types of Cancer
Dis you know vitamin B12 helps cut the risk of developing certain types of cancer? That’s right, vitamin B12 helps inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, thereby preventing tumors from spreading to other parts of the body. Clinical testing shows that this B vitamin helps prevent the onset of breast, lung, prostate,and colon cancer.
