What Are The Health Benefits of Vitamin B12?

What Are TheHealth Benefits of Vitamin B12? - Various vitamins and minerals are needed so that the body can function properly. Perhaps one of the most taken for granted essential vitamins is vitamin B12. Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is just one of the B complex vitamins.

The other B complex vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), and B9 (folic acid or folate). Generally, the B complex vitamins help in converting carbohydrates into glucose, which the body uses to produce energy.

So what are the benefits of Vitamin B12?

One of the important uses of B12 is that it aids in the replication of DNA for new cells. This means that B12 deficiency can lead to the abnormal replication of DNA. As a result, new and healthy cells cannot be generated, and this can lead to various medical conditions and illnesses.

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The vitamin is also needed for the production of red blood cells and for iron to work better in the body. In addition, it supports normal function of nerve cells.

In fact, long-term deficiency of the substance can result to permanent nerve damage, so it is important to detect vitamin B12 deficiency as early as possible.

There are various symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. These include overall weakness, fatigue, irritability and mood changes, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, and irritation of the mouth and the tongue.

Moreover, the most serious sign of lack of the substance is impaired brain function. Another thing that should be taken into consideration is that among the B complex vitamins, only B12 can prevent dementia.

To avoid the effects of lack of Vitamin B12, one should make sure his or her diet includes foods that are good sources of the vitamin. It is mostly found in animal foods, such as meat, shellfish, eggs, poultry, milk, and milk products.

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However, some people do not absorb the appropriate amount of B12 needed by the body because of their diet or because of certain medical conditions such as gastritis and pancreatic disease. Thus, taking Vitamin B12 complex dietary supplement helps prevent B12 deficiency.

Many of the vitamins and minerals that the body needs to keep it healthy are unknown to many. They tend to focus only on one or two that they think are more important.

Vitamin B12, for instance, is overlooked, yet it performs essential functions to keep the body healthy. This is one good reason why people should get themselves informed especially when it comes to their health.