Vitamin B12 - The health benefits
Energy
Vitamin B12 is involved in the body’s energy creation processes and plays a role in:- Reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Energy-yielding metabolism.
- Converting carbohydrate, protein and fat from food into glucose for energy.
Nervous System
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.- Helps to form the fatty sheath (Myelin) that surrounds and protects your nerves.
- Helps maintain the health of nerve cells.
- Supports effective signalling by neurotransmitters for when the muscles need to contract.
- Deficiency can result in pernicious anaemia, which can cause severe nerve damage
Immune System
Vitamin B12 helps to regulate the immune system.
- Plays an important role in white blood cell production, which helps your body fight germs and other microorganisms.
- Early research suggests a correlation between the presence of vitamin B12 and a reduced risk of the body developing certain types of cancer.
Cell Division
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the process of cell division.- Essential for rapid DNA production during the process of cell division.
- Plays a crucial role in the synthesis of blood cells in the bone marrow where the cells divide rapidly.
- Helps prevent formation of abnormal cells (megaloblasts) during cell division.
- Essential for healthy hair, skin and nails due to its role in cell reproduction.
Psychological Function
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.- Supports functions of the brain responsible for learning, concentration, memory and reasoning.
- May have a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other types of cognitive impairment.
- Symptoms of a deficiency often mimic those of dementia, such as memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty thinking and reasoning.
- Works with folate to produce compounds that help the body deal with stress and mood regulation.
Blood
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.- Plays a major role in the creation of red blood cells.
- Works with Iron to produce Haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body.
- Reduction in weakness and fatigue from insufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues.
- Plays a role in DNA synthesis
- Helps prevent megaloblastic anaemia, which results in symptoms like chronic fatigue and weakness.
Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism which may help to:- Protect against damage to arterial walls.
- Reduce risk factors for coronary, cerebral and peripheral blood vessel disease.
- Prevent the dangerous build-up of plaque in the arteries.
Prenatal Health
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for the development of a healthy baby.- Helps to create DNA - the basic genetic material used to create the entire body and supports the process of cell division.
- Involved in the metabolism of folic acid.
- Helps to lower risk of major birth defects by supporting neural tube, brain and spine development.
- B12 deficiency may be a contributing factor for women who have suffered miscarriages or have had difficulties in conceiving.
- Helps prevent the folate required for DNA synthesis getting trapped, thus aiding cell replication.
Other Benefits
Vitamin B12 has many roles throughout the body and many other potential benefits:- Helps relieve symptoms of B12 deficiency such as pins-and-needles in hands and feet, shaky body movements, and trouble walking and balancing - especially in those over the age of 50
- May help improve mood and symptoms of depression.
- May help improve sleep quality.
- May reduce the risk of macular degeneration
- May reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Plays a role in digestive enzyme production, aiding in healthy digestion.
Note: The contents of the Omvits site are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.