Benefits of vitamin B12 or cobalamin for nerve safety and general health

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is an essential vitamin needed by the body, and it is one of the most important vitamins for nerve function, and in the following article we will tell you about the benefits of vitamin B12 . diet.

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin

• Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that the body needs but cannot produce on its own.
• Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, but it is also added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement to be taken orally or by injection.
• Vitamin B12 has many vital functions in the body: it supports the normal function of nerve cells and is important for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.
• For most adults , the recommended daily dose is 2.4 micrograms, and this percentage is increased for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Vitamin B12 has many benefits such as increasing energy, improving memory, and preventing heart disease.

Benefits of Vitamin B12

1- Helps in the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia

One of the benefits of vitamin B12 is that it plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, and low levels of vitamin B12 lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells and prevent them from growing properly.

Healthy red blood cells are small and round, while red blood cells grow larger and are usually oval. Because of this larger and irregular shape, red blood cells cannot travel from the bone marrow into the bloodstream at a reasonable rate. In megaloblastic anemia or anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

In this type of anemia, the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to vital organs, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.

2- It prevents major birth defects

A pregnant woman is essential for the important benefits of vitamin B12. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are key to a healthy pregnancy to prevent birth defects and the spinal cord, as the brain and nervous system of the fetus have adequate levels of vitamin B12 from the mother that the mother needs to develop properly.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects. A mother’s vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to premature birth or miscarriage.

3- Supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis

Adequate vitamin B12 levels support bone health. People who are deficient in vitamin B12 also have a mineral density below average. Bones with low mineral density can become sensitive and brittle over time, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and a weakened condition. Osteoporosis, especially in women.

4- May reduce the risk of macular degeneration

One of the benefits of vitamin B12 is protection against macular degeneration, a disease that primarily affects the eye, and maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 can help prevent the risks of age-related macular degeneration.

Researchers believe that taking vitamin B12 can lower levels of homocysteine, a type of amino acid found in the bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine ​​have been linked to an increased risk of macular degeneration.

A study of 5,000 women aged 40 and over concluded that taking vitamin B12 along with folic acid and vitamin B6 can reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

in the end; More studies are needed to fully understand the role of vitamin B12 in promoting healthy eyesight and preventing macular degeneration.

5- May improve mood and symptoms of depression

One of the benefits of vitamin B12 is that it can improve your mood, but the effects of vitamin B12 on mood are not fully understood; However, this vitamin plays an important role in the production and metabolism of serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood.

So; A vitamin B12 deficiency can result in decreased serotonin production, which can lead to depression. Therefore, studies support the use of vitamin B12 supplements to improve symptoms of depression in people who are deficient in this vitamin.

A study of people with depression and low levels of vitamin B12 found that those who took antidepressants and vitamin B12 had improved symptoms of depression compared to people treated only with antidepressants.

6- Preventing the loss of neurons

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to memory loss, especially in the elderly. Vitamin B12 plays a role in preventing brain atrophy, the loss of neurons in the brain that is often associated with memory loss or dementia.

A study of people with early-stage dementia showed that a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids slowed mental decline.

Another study found that low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute to poor memory performance, and taking vitamin B12 supplements can improve memory.

However, more research is needed to draw strong conclusions about the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on memory and cognitive function.

7- Increases energy

All B vitamins play an important role in the production of energy in the body, and vitamin B12 supplements are touted as the best product for increasing energy. One of the main benefits of vitamin B12 is that it increases energy so you can improve your energy levels, but only if you are deficient in this vitamin.

If you are severely deficient in vitamin B12, adding or increasing your intake will likely improve your energy levels. One of the most common early signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue or a lack of energy.

8- It improves heart health

However, vitamin B12 can lower blood homocysteine, a type of amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Research does not currently support claims that vitamin B12 reduces this risk.

9- Supports healthy hair, skin and nails

Healthy vitamin B12 levels are important for hair, skin, and nails. Low levels of vitamin B12 cause many skin symptoms, including: hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, hair changes, vitiligo, and inflammation of the corners of the mouth.

Vitamin B12 supplementation has also been shown to improve skin symptoms in people with a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Important tips for taking vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained through food or supplements.
• However, it is essential to get enough vitamin B12 through your diet; If you struggle to get enough or have a medical condition that interferes with your absorption, supplementation is an easy way to increase your vitamin B12 intake.