Vitamin B12 for energy, like most nutrients, is something that many of us consume on a daily basis but don’t completely comprehend. Whether or not you take B12 regularly, our bodies require it for a variety of reasons. While most individuals obtain enough vitamin B12 through eating fish, meat, and dairy products every day, vegans and vegetarians may be concerned about getting enough and how to find a health supplement. To help you better understand what vitamin B12 is, why we need it, and how you can make sure you’re getting enough, we looked into the research on what it is, why we need it, and how you can make sure you’re getting enough.
What Is Vitamin B12 and What Does It Do?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods. Because it contains the mineral cobalt, it belongs to the “cobalamins” family of chemicals. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the development of our central nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and the synthesis of DNA. Because vitamin B12 is water-soluble, our bodies drain out any excess that we don’t need, so you’re unlikely to get too much. That’s why you can always rely on energy shots.
Deficiency of vitamin B12
Though it’s unusual that someone might be deficient in vitamin B12, it’s possible that some people are. Vitamin B12 insufficiency can also be caused by a variety of factors. People who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet may be at risk for vitamin B12 insufficiency because vitamin B12 is largely found in animal products. Vitamin B12 can be found in vegan foods, the majority of which have been fortified with the substance.
Another cause of vitamin B12 deficiency could be a person’s inability to absorb it properly. Pernicious anemia is the name for this type of vitamin B12 deficiency. Because vitamin B12 is absorbed in the large intestine, malabsorption may be caused by long-term medication, age, or genetics.
Fatigue, heart palpitations, pale skin, dementia, weight loss, and infertility are all symptoms of vitamin B12 insufficiency.
Supplementing with vitamin B12 for energy is a common alternative for those who follow a vegan diet.
Vitamin B12’s Health Advantages
Our bodies require vitamin B12 for a variety of reasons, and it is essential for optimal performance. Some of the health advantages of receiving adequate vitamin B12 are listed below.
- Cancer Risk is Reduced
Vitamin B12 deficiency can increase your chance of developing some malignancies. Low vitamin B12 intake was linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer. A dose-response association between vitamin B12 and colorectal cancer was discovered in another study published in Public Health Nutrition. This suggests that the more vitamin B12 people consumed, the lower their risk of colorectal cancer was. Similar findings have also been discovered in studies involving pancreatic cancer.
- Cognitive Function Enhancement
One of vitamin B12’s key responsibilities is to aid in the proper development of the cells in our central nervous system. When we don’t receive enough vitamin B12, our cognitive abilities suffer. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to problems with the brain and central nervous system, according to research. Getting enough vitamin B12, on the other hand, can help maintain your cells healthy and reduce your risk of cognitive loss.
- Energy Metabolism That Is Healthy
Despite the fact that vitamin B12 does not provide us with energy because it does not contain calories, it can nonetheless play a significant role in energy metabolism. The chemical mechanisms that allow us to digest food and convert it to useful energy for our cells are aided by all eight necessary B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12). They do not provide energy in the same way as calorie-containing foods (carbs, proteins, fats, and alcohol) do, nor are they stimulants like coffee. They are, nonetheless, required for the conversion of food into energy for our cells.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is essential for a range of body activities, even if you didn’t realize it. We use vitamin B12 on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including brain health and energy metabolism. It usually comes from animal sources, but with a little knowledge, vegans and vegetarians can also meet their needs through energy supplements.
