Vitamin B12 is essential for keeping both your red blood cells and nerves healthy and functioning properly. Additionally, it enables several body processes to function smoothly through the course of the day. However, due to the many uses for this water-soluble vitamin, the body is able to become deficient. In most cases, the primary symptom of a B12 deficiency is fatigue.
There are some people who may be more prone to a vitamin B12 deficiency than others. Some examples include those who are strict vegetarians, heavy smokers and drinkers and breast-feeding or pregnant women. Additionally, elderly individuals typically need a Vitamin B12 supplement in order to negate the deficiency that may be present.
However, a B12 supplement is for more than just individuals who have a deficiency in the vitamin. In fact there are many benefits that can be reaped from taking Vitamin B12 regularly, which include:
- It enables the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which can lead to an increase of energy and a decrease in feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
- It helps to regulate your nervous system, which can reduce cases of stress, depression and even brain shrinkage.
- It maintains a healthy digestive tract and helps to protect you from heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure and protecting you from the chance of having a stroke.
- It aids in the appearance of healthy hair, nails and skin. It also aids in the constant cell reproduction for fresh and healthy looking skin.
- Can help protect you from developing conditions such as prostate, lung, colon and breast cancer.
In addition to being extremely beneficial for your body, an extreme deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a plethora of different health problems. For example, it can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, anemia, loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss, poor memory, constipation, depression and problems with vision. For men, it can also lead to a low sperm count, which can lead to issues with infertility. The good news is that this type of deficiency is rare due to the fact that your liver stores enough of the vitamin to last your body for up to two years.
In most cases, a person of overall good health can obtain the needed benifits of Vitamin B12 for proper body functions by consuming the following foods on a daily basis: cheese, eggs, milk, liver, meat and some types of fish.