What is Vitamin B12 Good for

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). B complex vitamins are essential for energy production. If you are wondering what is vitamin B12 good for, then take a look at the following health benefits of vitamin B12.

What is Vitamin B12 Used for

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. Vitamin B12 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 plays an important role in producing healthy red blood cells.
• 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 treating memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. It is also 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, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
• Another vitamin B12 benefit is its use in the prevention of breast cancer and certain liver and kidney diseases.

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 is rare; however, body's inability to utilize the vitamin can lead to deficiency disorders. Vitamin B12 deficiency disorders include 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 deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can also result in mental disorders. Therefore, in order to prevent the deficiency diseases, it is essential to include vitamin B12 in your diet regularly.

What are the Sources of Vitamin B12

B12 vitamin is found in nearly all animal sources like beef liver, salmon, eggs, chicken, fish, lamb's 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 including any of the above mentioned foods in the diet regularly. Otherwise, you can go for vitamin supplements that are available in the market. However, you 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 the health benefits of vitamin B12, it is advisable to include vitamin B12 rich foods in the diet regularly, and prevent all vitamin B12 associated deficiency diseases. Having a healthy and nutritious diet can help in prevention of nearly all the nutrient deficiency disorders. Take care!