Vitamin B12 Benefits

Cobalamin, most commonly known as Vitamin B12, is an essential vitamin that our body needs. Although it needs it, our bodies cannot produce it! Strange concept to wrap our heads around, I know. Since our bodies don’t produce it, we need to either take vitamins or eat foods rich in B12 to supplement. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products or in the microorganisms on fruits and vegetables. However, it can also be taken as an oral supplement or in an injectable form. 

Who’s at risk? 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be most common in either: people who have diets that cause B12 to be absent or in people whose bodies are unable to absorb it from the food they eat. Those at higher risk may include but are not limited to: 

-people who are on a strict vegan or vegetarian diet 

-people with gastrointestinal disorders ie: Crohn’s or Celiac disease

-people that have undergone any GI surgeries (like bariatric surgery) or have chronic diarrhea

-older adults

If you have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12, please consult your doctor. Intramuscular injections of B12 are often recommended. Most clinics charge $20-$100 for B12 injections. Members of Elevated Health Direct Primary Care are able to get B12 injections any time they want…for just a few dollars! Perspective patients can get this necessary nutrient for FREE, once, when you schedule a meet-and-greet at Elevated Health! Call or text us at (714) 916-5210.

Vitamin B12 plays many roles in our bodies. It supports the normal function of our nerve cells and is especially needed to form red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Here are a few benefits for maintaining health vitamin B12 levels:

1. Anemia prevention 

   Vitamin B12 plays a very important role in helping your body produce red blood cells and if you are low in B12, this can cause a reduction in red blood cell formation. 

2. Bone health 

   Having sufficient B12 levels may help support bone health. If bones decrease in general density, this can lead to them becoming delicate and fragile over time. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in women. A study showed that vitamin B12 plays an important role in DNA synthesis and may affect bone formation.

3. Reduce risk of macular degeneration

   Macular Degeneration is a common eye condition that affects your vision. Maintaining vitamin B12 levels may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. 

   Supplementing with vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine, an amino acid that is found in your bloodstream. High homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.

4. Improve symptoms of depression

   Although the effect of vitamin B12 on your mood is not fully understood yet, this vitamin plays a role in regulating your mood. One study found that vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with a two-fold risk of severe depression in older women.

5. Heart health

   Low vitamin B12 levels can elevate your homocysteine levels. Homocysteine has been linked to increase your risk of heart disease. Research has proven that vitamin B12 can help decrease homocysteine levels, in turn, reducing risk of heart disease. 

6. Supports healthy hair, skin and nails

   Hyperpigmentation of skin and nails has been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency.  

   Considering that vitamin B12 plays a role in cell production, maintaining normal levels of it is needed to promote healthy skin, hair and nails. 

Some patients prefer to take a daily oral medication rather than injections. There are many options for B12 oral and they may work to increase your blood levels. This is something you should discuss with your doctor if you do have confirmed low B12 levels. 

Members at Elevated Health are able to check their blood levels of B12 (and its cousin, Folate) for just $4.50! If you are worried about low B12 levels, please discuss this with your doctor.