Your body produces the most essential nutrients. However, you’ll need to supply some nutrients from external sources. This is why eating a balanced diet is highly recommended. Vitamin B12 helps the body create DNA and supports the normal function of your nerve cells. But your body cannot produce this essential vitamin. What next? Take oral supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin B12, such as meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products. If you’re vegetarian, consume plant-based milk and grains fortified with vitamin B12.
Some people require B12 injections because they lack a protein that helps the body absorb this vitamin from foods and supplements. But why should you bother to boost your B12 intake? Well, vitamin B12 can benefit your body in so many ways.
Here are five health benefits of vitamin B12:
1. Boost red blood cell formation: Vitamin B12 helps your body create healthy red blood cells. These cells are produced in the bone marrow, then they move into the bloodstream to transport oxygen to vital organs. If you don’t have enough B12 in the body, your red blood cells enlarge and become oval. Healthy red blood cells are small and round. So, they move into the bloodstream and transport oxygen faster than misshapen cells. People with insufficient red blood cells can develop anemia. Doctors use vitamin B12 for anemia prevention.
2. Enhance pregnancy health: Are you worried about your unborn child? Increase vitamin B12 levels in your body to reduce risks. Fetuses use B12 from their mothers for brain and nervous system development. Insufficient B12 levels in the early stages of pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and premature birth. If you’re pregnant, boost vitamin B12 levels with food or supplements to protect your unborn child. Eat more B12-rich foods if you’re planning to get pregnant.
3. Boost your memory: B12 nourishes the brain and prevents the loss of neurons. As you grow older, the number of neurons in the brain decline leading to memory loss. Vitamin B12 can slow down mental decline and improve memory performance.
4. Protect your vision: Vitamin B12 reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. This eye disease increases homocysteine levels and affects central vision. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in your bloodstream. According to research, supplementing with vitamin B12 can lower homocysteine and prevent macular degeneration. Increase your B12 intake to protect your vision.
5. Improve your mood: Vitamin B12 helps synthesize serotonin. This chemical regulates your mood. Studies also indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency can increase the symptoms of depression. You can use vitamin B12 supplements to boost B12 levels and serotonin production in the body. It can help improve your mood.
Because B12 contributes to cell production, it can also help promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Bottom Line
Vitamin B12 offers so many health benefits for people of all ages. All you need to do is boost B12 levels in your body. The recommended daily B12 intake for adults is 2.4 micrograms. To achieve this target, consume animal products or B12 supplements. You can also ask your doctor for B12 injections. But this option is only recommended for people with life-threatening B12 deficiency. Seek professional care to exploit the health benefits of vitamin B12. Your health is in your hands!