What is Vitamin B12 Good for
Vitamins are essential nutrients required for carrying out several functions in the body, like enhancing the immune system, cell division and function, proper functioning of sensory organs, absorption of minerals and other essential nutrients, etc. Therefore, it is essential to include vitamins in the diet regularly. Vitamins are divided into 6 types: vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Among them, vitamin B is a complex vitamin (known as B complex) which can be further divided into several subtypes like B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). The B complex vitamin is essential for energy production. If you are wondering what is vitamin B12 good for, then here are the health benefits of vitamin B12.
What is Vitamin B12 Used for in the Body
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin and one of the most important types of B complex vitamin. This vitamin is often used in combination with other B complex vitamins. If you wish to know what is vitamin b12 used for, then note that it plays an important role in proper functioning of the nervous system. Apart from these, there are several other health benefits of vitamin B12. They include:
Vitamin B12 is essential for boosting immunity and also to increase the overall stamina of a person.
Vitamin B12 aids in maintaining the myelin sheath that is used to insulate nerve fibers.
This vitamin plays an important role in formation, maintenance, and repair of various cells in the body. Vitamin B12 is also essential for the formation of DNA in the body.
B12 vitamin helps in the treatment of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are still wondering what is vitamin B12 good for, then it is used to treat pernicious anemia and sickle cell anemia. Vitamin B12 helps in binding the intrinsic factor that is essential to have normal blood.
A diet high in vitamin B12 can help in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
One of the other Vitamin B12 benefits is that it is used to prevent breast cancer and certain liver and kidney diseases.
What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B12 in the diet leads to vitamin B12 deficiency disorders like megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia. Secondly, as vitamin B12 is essential for the nervous system; lack of it can lead to sleeping problems, mood swings and emotional disturbances. On the other hand, weakness, lethargy, dizziness, lack of appetite, weight loss, digestive problems, etc. are some of the common vitamin deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to mental disorders. Therefore, in order to prevent the deficiency diseases, it is essential to include vitamin B12 in one’s diet regularly as it will also help in prevention of deficiency diseases. B12 vitamin is found in nearly all animal sources like beef liver, salmon, eggs, chicken, fish, lambs kidney, oysters, tuna, etc. Sources of vitamin B12 also include milk, yogurt, and cheese. Fortified soy milk, fortified brewer’s yeast and some sea vegetables are vegan options of vitamin B12 rich foods. The daily dosage of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms per day which can be easily fulfilled by having either of the above mentioned foods in the diet regularly. Otherwise, one can go for vitamin supplements that are available in the market. However, one should note that older people, people suffering from chronic diseases and pregnant women should consult a doctor before going for any vitamin supplements.
Now that you know what is vitamin B12 good for, it is advisable to include vitamin B12 rich foods in the diet regularly, and prevent all vitamin B12-associated deficiency diseases. Take care!