Vegetarians and vegans should ask their healthcare provider to check their vitamin B12 levels. Excessive alcohol consumption also puts people at risk of B12 deficiency. When vitamin B12 levels are low, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to parts of the body. Without enough cells delivering oxygen to your tissues and organs, the body will not function properly. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:.
Although research has shown there is no risk in taking vitamin B12, it is important to contact your healthcare provider before you begin taking any vitamin, mineral, or supplement. A medical professional can best determine if it is a need for you at this time.
Research has shown that vitamin B12 can interact with some medications. Before you take vitamin B12, talk to your practitioner or healthcare provider and tell them about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient in the human diet. It's critical for the development and normal functioning of many organs in the body. You should try to get your daily recommended intake of vitamin B12 from foods that naturally have vitamin B If you are not sure you're getting enough vitamin B12 talk to your healthcare provider about getting a blood test, adding the proper foods to your diet, and possibly taking supplements.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B Updated Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Coppen A, Bolander-Gouaille C. Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B J Psychopharmacol. Kannan R, Ng MJ. Cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency: an often-forgotten link. Can Fam Physician.
The impact of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels on functional outcome after first-ever ischaemic stroke. Biomed Res Int. Harvard Health. The A list of B12 foods. Due to this larger and irregular shape, the red blood cells are unable to move from the bone marrow into the bloodstream at an appropriate rate, causing megaloblastic anemia 2.
This can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness. Vitamin B12 is involved in red blood cell formation. When vitamin B12 levels are too low, the production of red blood cells is altered, causing megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the beginning stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Furthermore, maternal vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to premature birth or miscarriage 3.
Appropriate vitamin B12 levels are key to a healthy pregnancy. Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels may support your bone health. One study in more than 2, adults showed that people with a vitamin B12 deficiency also had lower than normal bone mineral density 5.
Bones with decreased mineral density can become delicate and fragile over time, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Other studies have also shown a link between low vitamin B12 levels and poor bone health and osteoporosis, especially in women 6 , 7 , 8.
Vitamin B12 may play a vital role in your bone health. Low blood levels of this vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 may help prevent the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Researchers believe that supplementing with vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is found in your bloodstream. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration 9 , A study involving 5, women aged 40 or older concluded that supplementing with vitamin B12, along with folic acid and vitamin B6, may reduce this risk The group receiving these supplements for seven years had fewer cases of macular degeneration, compared to the placebo group.
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin B12 decreases homocysteine levels in your blood. This may help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration. The effect of vitamin B12 on mood is not yet fully understood. However, this vitamin plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood.
Therefore, vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to decreased serotonin production, which may cause a depressed mood. Studies support the use of vitamin B12 supplements for improving symptoms of depression in people deficient in this vitamin. One study in people with depression and low vitamin B12 levels found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 were more likely to show improved depressive symptoms, compared to those treated with antidepressants alone Another study discovered that vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with twice the risk of severe depression Additionally, high vitamin B12 levels have been linked to better treatment outcomes and an increased probability of recovery from major depressive disorder MDD Though vitamin B12 supplements may help improve mood and depression in people with a deficiency, research does not currently suggest that they have the same effect in those with normal B12 levels.
Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of serotonin, a chemical responsible for regulating mood. Vitamin B12 supplements may help improve mood in people with an existing deficiency. The vitamin may play a role in preventing brain atrophy, which is the loss of neurons in the brain and often associated with memory loss or dementia.
One study in people with early-stage dementia showed that a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed mental decline Therefore, always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement or diet. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options.
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Sarah Fielding. Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness. For more information, visit our medical review board. Vitamin B12 benefits include forming red blood cells, preventing dementia, and reducing birth defects. Vitamin B12 is found in foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and fish.
Side effects of B12 are rare but can include headaches, anxiety, and nausea. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Sarah Fielding is a freelance writer covering a range of topics with a focus on mental health and women's issues. She is also the co-founder of Empire Coven , a space for highlighting trailblazing women across New York. How to find your proper dosage, according to dietitians. Additional comments.
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