Vitamin B12 is probably best known for its numerous health benefits, particularly providing increased energy. Vitamin B12 is necessary for converting stored carbohydrates into glucose which produces energy and leads to a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body. B12′s ability to instantly boost energy levels is by far the most common and most powerful benefit of taking vitamin B12 supplements. The recommended therapeutic amount is 1000 micrograms a day. Another one of the best known benefits of vitamin B12 is that it has been shown to increase energy thus helping promote weight loss.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy development of red blood cells in the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency can ultimately result in a blood disorder known as anemia which can cause permanent and severe nerve and brain damage. One recent study showed that as many as 40% of adults suffered from some form of Vitamin B12 deficiency. High vitamin B12 level in elderly people has also been shown to protect against brain atrophy or shrinkage, associated with Alzheimer’s disease and impaired cognitive function.
Aside from maintaining healthy red blood cells and nervous system, vitamin B12 is needed in order for our bodies to absorb folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) which helps release energy. Vitamin B12 normally plays a significant role in the metabolism of every cell of the body allowing for energy production which is why taking vitamin B12 for energy is so popular.
People especially at risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency include older adults with a condition known as Atrophic Gastritis. This condition affects 30-50% of adults over age 50 and impairs their ability to absorb vitamin B12 from natural foods. Vitamin B12 supplements are recommended for people in this group. People with Pernicious Anemia are also at high risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency because this is a condition where the intestines can’t produce the enzyme that allows for vitamin B12 absorption. Pernicious Anemia only affects 1-2% of adults and can only be treated with vitamin B12 injections or shots.
Vegans and Vegetarians are the other big group at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency because vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products. As a result vegans are especially at risk of not getting enough vitamin B12 in their diet. There are some natural vegetarian foods high in vitamin b12 but vitamin B12 supplements could make sense for this group.
Aside from people who have actual Vitamin B12 deficiencies, there are a number of known Vitamin B12 benefits for healthy adults that take excess Vitamin B12. Everyone knows that B12 is a great energy booster. Margaret Thatcher had injections of B12 to sustain her famously high energy levels. Lady Thatcher apparently found the injections so useful that she had one on the morning she told her cabinet she was going to resign. While on tour, Madonna required Justin Timberlake to start taking Vitamin B12 shots after he started complaining about low energy levels. It works by enabling your red blood cells to carry oxygen more efficiently. This leads to improved cognitive ability, more energy, healthier skin. A well oxygenated cell is one that won’t tire quickly.