Copy of 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.