Vitamin B12, commonly known as cobalamin, is a vital, valuable, and key nutritional factor that is responsible for the maintenance of several functions in the body. Although required in small amounts, its impact is great. It supports the function of the nervous system and the production of DNA and red blood cells while aiding other metabolic reactions in the human body. This importance of vitamin B12 in the human body is explored by this blog by explaining its functionalities, sources, and the consequences of its deficiency.
What is Vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement and a prescription medication. Unlike most other vitamins, B12 contains a mineral called cobalt, which is why it is also known as cobalamin. The human body cannot synthesize vitamin B12 and therefore has to be ingested with food or supplements.so, importance of vitamin B12 in the human body is very important.
Key Functions of Vitamin B12
- Red Blood Cell Formation: Importance of Vitamin B12 in the human body is to assist in the formation of red blood cells. Their main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Inadequate B12 can result in abnormal or irregular large red blood cells, which causes a health disorder called megaloblastic anemia. It could make one experience a lot of fatigue and weakness, among other health issues since the amount of oxygen in the blood reduces (Private healthcare | Bupa UK).
- Nerve Health : Importance of B12 in the human body is essential for the proper health and normal functioning of nerve cells. It plays a crucial role in the formation of the myelin sheath, which is a protective covering for nerves. The myelin sheath helps facilitate the proper and fast transmission of electrical impulses along the nerves. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in abnormalities in the nervous system, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, difficulty in walking, anemia, memory loss, and mental disturbances (Private healthcare | Bupa UK).
- DNA Synthesis : Vitamin B12 in the human body is needed in the synthesis of DNA, the material in all your cells that holds the genetic information. This process is needed in the creation of new cells and genetically replicating them. With correct B12 levels, your DNA can replicate and divide the cells without mutations, disorders, such as cancer (Private healthcare | Bupa UK).
- Energy Production : The vitamin helps you convert the food you eat into glucose, used as the primary source of energy to keep you active and awake. Importance of B12 in the human body participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as a team to give you that firsthand source of energy. Without this, you always feel exhausted and lack energy (Private healthcare | Bupa UK).
- Mood Regulation : Importance of Vitamin B12 in the human body is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, among them, including serotonin, and dopamine which are meant to regulate the mood and emotions. Deficiency in this vitamin leads to disorders of the mood range, including but not limited to depression and anxiety. Getting enough of this vitamin will have you resulting in excellent mental health and well-being (UNTIL_SPACE).
Sources of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal foods. Examples of some top sources include:
- Meat: Beef, pork, lamb
- Fish and Shellfish: Salmon, trout, tuna, clams, and sardines
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Eggs, particularly the yolk
Importance of vitamin B12 in the human body of vegetarians and vegans can be quite a challenge. But there are always fortified foods and supplements available, including the following:
- Fortified Cereal: There is an availability of many breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin B12.
- Nutritional Yeast: Often fortified with B12.
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond, soy, and oat milk are some of the plant-based milk fortified with B12.
- B12 Supplements: There are various forms this supplement comes in, including tablets, capsules, and sublingual (under the tongue) forms. (Bupa UK | Private healthcare) (Readly).
Vitamin B12 in the human body Deficiency A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to even serious health consequences. Common symptoms are:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anemia
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Memory loss or behavioral changes
- Mood changes, like irritability and depression
- Problems with balance (e.g. ataxia) (Bupa UK | Private healthcare) (Marie Claire UK).
Certain groups are more vulnerable to this deficiency:
- Older Adults: due to the fact that there is a reduction in the production of stomach acid as adults grow older, which can then slow the absorption of B12.
- People on a Vegetarian and Vegan Diet: because their diet excludes any animal source of food
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: People with gastrointestinal disorders that affect the absorption of its availability.
- Some medications such as proton pump inhibitors: long-term use of metformin interferes with its absorption (Readly) (Village Gym – Health & Wellness Clubs).
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a required vitamin since it carries out the various functions of the body; in red blood cells, it is required in their formation, healthy nerves, and is necessary for DNA synthesis, energy production as well as for the maintenance of a healthy mood. Appropriate intake of B12, whether through a diet rich in B12-rich foods or via B12 supplements, will ensure optimal health. With adequate availability of supplementation and regular monitoring for B12 deficiency, the unwanted body health consequences due to low B12 levels can be minimized. Be sure to include foods high in B12 or fortified foods and supplements, so you meet your daily requirements to support health and well-being. If you suspect that you are deficient or are symptomatic, consult with a health care provider to determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Just when one knows how important of vitamin B12 in the human body is and prioritizes staying within healthy levels for it, he is showing his body some love so it can perform and function well.
