…The importance of Vitamin B12 in your diet…

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Are you fatigued and exhausted after exercise or battling to lose those unwanted pounds?  It could be a vitamin deficiency that is sapping your energy or interfering with your weight loss goals.

Vitamins are essential for providing nutrition to the many cells and tissues in our body.  Vitamin B12 is one of the basic nutrients we need for the normal function of the brain, the nervous system, and the formation of red blood cells. It is essential for a higher metabolism, increased energy and weight loss. Read on to learn more about how Vitamin B12 can help you achieve your fitness goals.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also know as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that can dissolve in water and travel through the bloodstream.  The body can store Vitamin B12 for up to 4 years and any excess is excreted in the urine. Vitamin B12 can be found naturally in animal products, such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.  Some types of soya milk and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12 but it does not typically occur in plant foods.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends that teens and adults over the age of 14 years should consume 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day. Pregnant women should be sure to consume 2.6 mcg, and lactating women 2.8 mcg..

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 occurs when the daily requirements are not met through diet and supplementation.  There are also certain health conditions that can reduce absorption of Vitamin B12 in the body such as coeliac disease, atrophic gastritis, Crohn’s disease, deficiency of gastric acid and alcoholism.  The main signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are:

  • Fatigue and weakness:

This occurs when your body does not have enough Vitamin B12 to make red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body, which can leave you short of breath and dizzy.  This may also cause pale or jaundiced skin, a sign of anemia.

  • Neurological changes:

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production of myelin, which insulates your nerves. A common sign of potential nerve damage in B12 deficiency is a sensation of pins and needles, irregular reflexes, balance related issues, changes in mobility and restless legs.

  • Mood changes:

Vitamin B12 deficiency carries a serious risk of permanent nerve and brain damage. Some people with insufficient vitamin B12 have a higher risk of developing psychosis, mania, and dementia.

Benefits of Vitamin B12

The number of deficiency signs and symptoms shows us how important a role Vitamin B12 plays in our health. The benefits include DNA synthesis, growth and development, decreased risk of heart disease, protection against certain cancers, preservation of energy levels, a decreased risk of anemia, and emotional and mental stability.

Vitamin B12 can be administered via an injection, ensuring maximum absorption as it immediately enters the bloodstream. Creams containing Vitamin B12 can be used to decrease the severity of eczema. Vitamin B12 shots stimulate the body to convert carbohydrates into fuel and energy faster than eating and digesting food.  This enables the body to fight fatigue when exercising and burn calories easier in weight loss.

Maintaining a diet full of nutrients helps your body correct deficiencies and stops cravings for unhealthy foods. Get energised and shed that unwanted weight with the aid of Vitamin B12.

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