Our diet should be well-balanced and it should consist of 5 meals a day, and that is 3 main meals, and 2 snacks. That will keep us full, and we’ll have enough energy to get us throughout the day. But, we also need to take enough vitamins, and depending on the diet, we may or may not get them all in the right amount. This article will tell you everything you need to know about vitamin B12 and its benefits.
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Vitamins come in different forms
When we were kids, we hated taking vitamins because they were big, white pills that got stuck in our throats. So, childhood trauma made us avoid them. But, times have changed, and so have vitamins. Right now, you can find vitamin B12 in a variety of forms, and the best one yet is the B12 patches. You simply stick them onto your skin, and no one will notice. The patches will give you the daily dose of vitamins, and you won’t even have to set up a reminder on your phone!
About B12
B12 is an important nutrient that keeps our blood and nerve cells healthy and it helps make DNA. B12 also prevents megaloblastic anemia, which is a serious condition. Normally, we get B12 from a balanced diet, and the vitamin is found in animal products, such as meat and dairy, and eggs. But, you can always supplement yourself with the right amount.
Benefits of vitamin B12
Creation of red blood cells
Vitamin B12 helps your body produce healthy red blood cells. If your body lacks this essential vitamin, the cells that are created in the bone marrow will be too big to pass on in the bloodstream, which leads to a condition called megaloblastic anemia.
When there is anemia present, your body and all of its cells are not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, and this leads to symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, and paleness. If you notice any changes in your body, you should consult with a doctor, and they’ll help you out.
Prevent major birth defects
A healthy pregnancy requires adequate amounts of B12. the developing baby will use a lot of it, so you need to supplement. Briefly said, B12 will help the normal development of the neural tube and its closing, and it will lower the chances of a potential miscarriage. The normal intake of b12 should be around 400 mg, but you should always consult with a doctor beforehand.
Preventing osteoporosis
Normally the biggest opponent against osteoporosis is vitamin D. It comes with tons of benefits, and it is safe to use for both children and adults. In children it prevents rickets, in adults it prevents osteoporosis. Another vitamin that will keep your bones healthy is vitamin B12. There were tons of studies that were made on both men and women that showed a link between low levels of B12 and signs of early brittle bones.
Lower the risk of macular degeneration
B12 also helps with eye problems. Normally, this is the job of vitamin A, but the more the better! Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects your central vision. Vitamin B12 lowers the levels of homocysteine, a formation usually found in the bloodstream. But, high levels of the component are linked to macular degeneration, so by evening it all out with supplementing, you’re lowering the chances of developing one.
Mood improvement
Vitamin B12 helps improve your mood. In fact all of the vitamins from the B group help with depression and mood elevation. However, vitamin B12 is crucial in the production of serotonin, a hormone that makes us happy. Studies have shown that people who were taking antidepressants combined with B12 showed better results than the ones who didn’t supplement. Also, B12 supplementation is also linked to recovering from Major Depressive Disorder.
Improve your memory
In the long run that is. Vitamin B12 has been linked to memory loss in older patients, and that is easily preventable by daily supplementation. In patients with early signs of dementia, the combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids showed some relief and easier symptoms. Another study showed that low levels of the vitamin lead to poor memory, no matter the age of the patient. So, supplementing the vitamin daily will make your memory better, and you won’t ever have to spend a cent on those expensive memory pills ever again.
Energy boost
In fact, every vitamin does this. Studies and testimonies both show this every day. You sure feel refreshed after a nice cup of fresh orange juice, don’t you? That’s because it’s packed with vitamins. Right now, there is no evidence that the vitamin can boost your energy if you have it at sufficient levels. But, on the other hand, if you’re severely lacking the vitamin, it will surely make some major changes in your body. In fact, two of the earliest signs of B12 deficiency are tiredness and fatigue.
