What is Vitamin B12 and what does it do?

The human body is a composition of thousands of components that help in keeping your body safe and healthy. The composition includes minerals, nutrients, various types of fluids, different systems that carry out various body functions, and what-not! Everything boils down to helping you keep your body going without any damage or inconvenience.

Nutrients are among such crucial components that contribute greatly to keeping you healthy and active. Out of all the nutrients, vitamins have always been one of the most discussed topics when it comes to health benefits. Besides, the wide range of vitamins available makes it a buzzing topic. The underlying guide talks about one of the most popular vitamins, Vitamin B12, and its benefits. So, let’s proceed and see what this vitamin is and what it has to offer in your health benefits section!

Vitamin 12: What the buzz is all about?

Vitamin B12, also popular as the name Cobalamin, is one of the most essential vitamins that the human body needs. Although, this vitamin is not produced in the body and thus needs to be taken from external sources like food.

The biggest source of Vitamin B12 is plant-based food. Besides, it can also be taken in the form of oral supplements or injections. The main role of Vitamin B12 is to contribute to nerve cell and blood cell functioning. Besides, it also has applications in DNA synthesis. Further, it has many other benefits which can be listed in the guide ahead.

What does Vitamin B12 do?

Vitamin B12 has a wide range of functions and benefits in the human body. These functions, along with their advantages can be stated as below.

Red Blood Cell Formation

Red blood cells are carriers of oxygen in the human body. These cells help carry oxygen through the blood to different parts and organs of the body. Vitamin B12 is one of the most crucial components required in the formation of red blood cells. An adequate amount of Vitamin B12 ensures healthy and round-shaped red blood cells which easily carry oxygen all across the body.

Prevents Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency results in oval-shaped or irregular-shaped red blood cells. Such cells are unable to move from the bone marrow to the bloodstream and thus are unable to help in the transport of oxygen across the body. It’s crucial to maintain an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 in the human body to prevent anemic conditions which in extreme cases can prove to be fatal.

Prevents Major Birth Defects

Vitamin B12 is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. It works best for both, the fetus, and the mother. Studies have revealed that fetus brain and nervous system development requires a sufficient amount of Vitamin B12 to ensure healthy development. If Vitamin B12 is not delivered in sufficient amounts, there may arise several complications in the birth and increase the risk of birth defects.

Support To Bone Health

Vitamin B12 helps absorb minerals better in the bones. Minerals like calcium, sodium, etc. are essential for better bone density. Decreased bone density makes the bones more fragile and delicate, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 helps in better absorption of minerals and aids in better bone density. It helps keep your bones healthy and prevents the risk of low bone density.

Curtail The Risk Of Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an eye defect that affects central vision. It is a quite common disease caused by increased age. However, it has been observed that people with a deficiency of Vitamin B12 can suffer through early Macular Degeneration. The main reason for Macular Degeneration is associated with higher homocysteine levels. Vitamin B12 helps lower homocysteine levels and prevents age-related macular degeneration.

Better Mood And Prevent Depression

Serotonin is the natural stress hormone secreted by your body. And thus, it is responsible for regulating your stress levels and mood. Vitamin B12 helps reduce the production of serotonin, thus, keeping you in a good mood. Besides, it helps reduce stress levels and prevents the risks of depression. Studies have shown that a combination of antidepressants and Vitamin B12 in depressed individuals show great results.

Prevent Memory Loss

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is often related to memory loss, especially in order adults. Vitamin B12 helps in the production of neurons and keeps them healthy. Neurons are responsible for better memory and nerve signal transfer throughout the body. Age-related mental decline can be overcome by fulfilling the daily needs of Vitamin B12.

Increased Energy Levels

When it comes to the energy production of the body, all vitamins play a key role. Although all types of Vitamin B are given more importance in energy production. These do not provide energy directly to the body, although they help in the generation of energy in the cells faster. An adequate amount of vitamin B12 may help in improved energy levels and prevent fatigue.

Conclusion

To sum up, Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a myriad of health issues and diseases in any individual. It is quite essential to fulfill the daily intake of Vitamin B12 to stay healthy. Like all other vitamins and nutrients, Vitamin B12 is also essential for maintaining a better immunity and staying healthy. If you think you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, then consult a professional medical practitioner to know more about the condition and ideal treatment. It can save you from long-term complex issues.