Vitamin B12 is one of the most important supplements people can take. Vitamin B12 converts carbohydrates into glucose which then produce energy resulting in a decrease in fatigue. B12′s ability to instantly boost energy levels the most common and most well-known benefit of taking vitamin B12 supplements. The recommended dose is 1000 micrograms a day. 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 has been shown to promote healthy regulation of the nervous system resulting in less stress, reduced brain shrinkage and less likelihood of depression. Also, studies have shown that a deficiency in Vitamin B12 and B9 can double the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Vitamin B12 (and B9) have been shown to lower levels of a protein in the blood called homocysteine which boosts cardiovascular health and decrease risk of heart attacks. regulating cholesterol and high blood pressure. B12 also prevents against stroke and is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Vitamin b12 and B9 is essential for DNA metabolism and maintenance which helps to prevent cancer and slow aging.
The problem with vitamin b12 is that it is not easily absorbed by the body – in fact only about 3% of vitamin b12 pills make it into our systems. As a result, many people have turned to vitamin b12 shots as a way to increase the absorption rates of vitamin b12.
In addition to taking b12 injections, may people are amazed to learn that the TYPE of vitamin b12 you take is crucial. Otherwise you may be throwing your money away.
Cyanocobalamin is the most common form of vitamin B12 found in supplements, but many are surprised to learn that this form of vitamin B12 does not actually naturally occur in plants or animals. It is chemically synthesized in a laboratory.
As the name suggests, Cyanocobalamin actually contains tiny amounts of cyanide. Certainly not enough to be toxic but it does have to be removed by your body nonetheless and this requires an extra process.
The other form of vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin, is better absorbed by the body and retained in higher amounts within your tissues. Methylcobalamin is the specific form of B12 needed for a healthy nervous system and is generally more efficiently used by the body. This is actually the vitamin B12 compound that doctors use to treat patients with vitamin B12 deficiencies.
The most well studied use of methylcobalamin has to do with sleep. Evidence suggests that methylcobalamin is needed for the synthesis of melatonin and can help regulate melatonin secretion, enhance light-sensitivity, and normalize your “circadian rhythm” (your 24-hour clock)
Because of this, individuals supplementing this form of B12 often have improved quality of sleep, will require less sleep, and will not report that they feel more refreshed and full of energy the following day.
Methylcobalamin also seems to result in a better 24-hour maintenance of body temperature. Typically individuals supplementing this specific form of B12 have higher temperatures in the later hours of the daytime which corresponds with improved alertness and higher metabolic rates (also why vitamin b12 shots have been shown to help with weight loss).