Vitamin B12: What You Need To Know

Vitamin b12 is one of the most vital nutrients for a healthy body. Vitamin B12 plays various important roles in our body, from creating the DNA to supporting the normal functionality of the brain and other body parts. It is found in animal products and some specific food items in a natural form.

Moreover, you can take vitamin B12 in the form of supplements like gummies, injections etc. But most people are not sure about the dosage. Though the benefits of vitamin B12 are plenty, taking care of the daily dosage is more important. Overdosage can show its side effects, and the under dosage cannot give you the required benefits. Therefore, to know everything about the health benefits of vitamin B12 and the sufficient dosage, you can go through the following points.

Vitamin B12: Good For Overall Body

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and refers to the carbolamin compounds’ family. As it is water-soluble, it is carried through the body’s tissues and isn’t stored in the body parts themselves. It plays various crucial roles in the body, including RBC production, DNA synthesis, nerve cell function, and more. Read on to know how does this vitamin benefit your health-

  • Vitamin B12 synthesizes and metabolizes serotonin, which improves your mood.
  • Vitamin B12 is good for maintaining a healthy bone density.
  • As it aids in the production of red blood cells, it helps prevent Anaemia.
  • It supports and promotes healthy eyesight.

What Does Vitamin B12 Deficiency Do To Your Body?

When the body doesn’t receive enough amount of Vitamin B12, deficiency occurs. It could result in severe damage to the brain or nervous system. Moreover, it will lead to low production of red blood cells in the body. The deficiency of B12 leads to anemia because your body is not capable of making enough red blood cells. You will face the problems of fatigue, weakness, nerve damage, intestinal problems and mood disturbances.

What Dosage Should You Take?

The dosage of Vitamin B12 depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, the requirement of your body and other factors. The amount of dosage differs in children and adults. Older people will require more amount than children. The amount of vitamin B12 your body requires also depends on your eating habits. Vegetarians or Vegans will need more vitamins than non-vegetarians because B12 is mostly found in animal products. It includes meats, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Some processed foods also contain Vitamin B12. On average, people who consume meat can get plenty of vitamin B12 from food.

The percentage of the vitamin your body can absorb is not very high. It is estimated that your body only absorbs 10-mcg of a 500-mcg supplement. People over 14 can take 2.4 mcg of Vitamin B12.

Additionally, older people will need vitamins according to their body’s needs because some people are healthy while some are unhealthy and are facing severe health conditions.  

Moreover, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding require a different number of vitamins in their bodies. Sometimes the diet of pregnant women fulfils their bodily need for vitamins. Women who are breastfeeding do need to take vitamins because a deficiency in breastfed infants can cause developmental delay.

It is recommended to consult the doctor before taking any supplement. A doctor will properly examine you and suggest the proper dosage required by your body.

How Can Vitamin B12 Supplements Help?

Vitamin B12 supplements seem to help treat your body to health. These are supposed to cure sleep disorders, cancer, depression, infertility, asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and the skin condition vitiligo. B12 also helps in improving conditions, for instance, Lyme disease, liver disease, gum disease, kidney disease and some skin infections.

Vitamin B12 Supplements also come in different forms like tablets, capsules and gummy candies. You can also find vegan, gluten free, dairy-free and cruelty-free supplement options. Even gummy candies have different flavours, such as Raspberry-flavoured gummy vitamins. 

These gummies will help in the formation of red blood cells, functioning of the brain and nervous system. B12 gummies can eliminate irritability, enhance your memory and help you to maintain concentration and a sense of balance. Moreover, it activates amino acids and can promote protein synthesis. It plays an important role in the growth and development of infants and young children.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you know the benefits of Vitamin B12 for your body and how its deficiency can impact your health. If you suspect that your body lacks this vitamin, make sure to consult a physician before you take any multivitamin supplements. They can guide you better on what dosage you should take.