How B12 Contributes To Overall Health

Every day, we are bombarded by countless advertisements about diet and achieving a healthy lifestyle. Breakfast cereals display a large amount of nutritional facts, claiming that they are fully packed with vitamins and minerals. Even sports drinks insist that they can quickly rev you up with a jolt of their nutrient-rich product.

You know that vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are good for you, but how do you know you are getting enough of this essential nutrient? What happens if your body lacks vitamin B12? Instead of relying on processed products, where can you get vitamin B12 naturally?
 

What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for brain function, nerve tissue health, and red blood cell production. People over the age of 14 need to consume no less than 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 every day.

Vitamin B12 can work alone or with other B vitamins. B12 can be found naturally in many animal foods including beef liver and clams, which are the best sources of this nutrient. B12 can also be found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and some fortified food products. The human body can store this vitamin for as long as four years with any excess being excreted in the urine.
 

Why Is It Important?

Experts have continuously studied vitamin B12 to better understand how it can impact health. Here are some of the reasons why you should consume vitamin B12:

Regulates the Nervous System. Vitamin B12 also plays a massive role in the production of chemicals in the brain that influences mood and other brain functions. Adequate intake of vitamin B12 can aid in preventing brain shrinkage that causes stress and depression.

Protects Against Heart Disease. Additionally, vitamin B12 has shown promise in keeping your cardiovascular health in check. It has also been correlated to a lower incidence of heart attack or stroke due to reduced levels of homocysteine in the blood.

Prevents Anemia. As mentioned, vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell production. The steady production of these cells helps defend against megaloblastic anemia, a condition that can result in chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and numbness in extremities.

Enhances Energy. Lethargy is one of the signs that you are not getting enough B12. This vitamin can help convert carbohydrates into sugar, which leads to energy production. B12 can serve as a natural energy booster by keeping you alert and energized.

Improves the Digestive System. Vitamin B12 can improve absorption by producing healthy gut bacteria which helps your digestive system to function well.

Keeps Skin, Hair, and Nails Healthy. Cellular regeneration is necessary for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Consuming enough B12 can give you strong, healthy hair and vibrant skin.
 

What Happens If You Lack Vitamin B12?

Deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause weakness, tiredness, soreness of the mouth or tongue, loss of appetite, and megaloblastic anemia. Not getting enough of this vitamin can also lead to nerve problems, such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include problems with balance, confusion, depression, and poor memory.

If you want to find out more about how you can get your body at optimal health, call ReAlignMed. We are the Leading Health and Wellness Resource in Chicago, Illinois. Call us now at 773-665-4400 to schedule a consultation.