It’s estimated that nearly 40% of Americans have low B12 levels. When your body lacks B12, your brain doesn’t function optimally, and you’re often left feeling chronically fatigued. However, vitamin B12 goes beyond just boosting energy. Its complex functions provide a myriad of health benefits. So, are you getting enough?
The Seven Most Important Functions of Vitamin B12
Many people regularly get B12 injections for an energy boost. While it’s true B12 supports energy levels, there’s more to it. Here are seven essential functions of vitamin B12 and why you need this crucial nutrient.
Supports Energy
Vitamin B12 is vital for energy production in your body. It ensures your cells are well-fed, happy, and healthy. Without it, cells become deprived, and you end up feeling weak, tired, and constantly sluggish. B12 releases energy into cells, providing the necessary balance for thinking clearly and staying active throughout the day.
Protects the Heart
Your heart and cardiovascular system depend on B12. One of its roles is to remove a harmful protein called homocysteine from the blood. High homocysteine levels can damage arteries, leading to inflammation and heart disease. Adequate B12 intake helps keep homocysteine levels low, maintaining heart health.
Your Bones Need It
Studies show that individuals with osteoporosis have higher levels of homocysteine and lower levels of B12 compared to those with strong, healthy bones. Could B12 be a beneficial addition to osteoporosis treatments? If you have osteoporosis or similar bone issues, discuss with your doctor about checking your B12 levels.
Prevents Nerve Damage
Nerves have a protective covering called myelin sheaths that safeguard them from toxins and free radicals in your blood. Without this covering, nerves can become damaged or even die, disrupting signals to and from the brain and potentially leading to nerve-related conditions. Vitamin B12 helps your body replenish this vital protective layer.
Improves Mood and Outlook
Your brain uses a chemical called serotonin to regulate mood. If you don’t get enough B12, you may feel down. A study among diabetic patients experiencing depression due to Metformin side effects found those who took B12 had a brighter outlook.
Protects Brain Health
Researchers have found that Alzheimer’s patients have much lower B12 levels compared to their cognitively healthy peers. Just as B12 helps protect nerve cells, it also supports the myelin sheaths of brain cells, often compromised in Alzheimer’s patients. Some research suggests that a deficiency in B12 may cause a type of dementia in the elderly, which is reversible with proper nutrition.
Keeps You Looking and Feeling Young
Aging occurs when cells wear down, and this process speeds up when DNA doesn’t replicate correctly. Several factors, like free radicals, blood toxins, high blood sugar, and excess omega-6 fats, can affect DNA replication. B12 supports healthy DNA, thus keeping your cells and you looking and feeling younger.
Do you take vitamin B12? How has it impacted your life? Share your experiences below!
