The Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 – also known as cobalamin – is an essential nutrient that your body needs but can’t produce on its own. This nutrient is responsible for the formation of red blood cells, nerve cell support, and the making of DNA, and it also prevents your body from developing anemia – a condition that makes you weak and tired.

The average adult needs about 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day, although that amount may need to be boosted if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 can do a lot of impressive things for your body like boost your energy, improve your memory, and prevent heart disease.

Our team at Atlas Health Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers some insight into this essential nutrient. Here are some of the many benefits of vitamin B12.

1. Supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis

Studies have shown a high correlation between vitamin B12 and bone health. If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, your bones can start to lose density and become fragile. When this happens, it puts you at risk for developing osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to weaken and fracture easily.

By keeping up with your levels of vitamin B12, you can strengthen your bones and prevent, or delay the onset of, osteoporosis.

2. Reduces your risk of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that can affect your central vision. Research shows that vitamin B12 lowers homocysteine, an amino acid that’s linked to macular degeneration.  

3. Improves your mood

Vitamin B12 plays a large role in the production of serotonin – a chemical that’s responsible for regulating your mood. 

Studies show that those who have a vitamin B12 deficiency are at twice the risk for severe depression than those who have a healthy level of vitamin B12. Conversely, increasing your levels of vitamin B12 can stave off signs of depression.

4. Boosts brain function

Brain neurons need a healthy amount of vitamin B12 in order to function correctly. If there’s a vitamin B12 deficiency, your brain can atrophy and lose neurons. This can lead to memory loss and even dementia. 

5. Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails

Because vitamin B12 is so vital for cell production, it’s essential for hair, skin, and nail growth. Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to conditions like hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, and hair changes.  

Next steps

If you think you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, contact our team about getting nutrition injections to boost your levels of this essential nutrient.

To learn more about how vitamin B12 can benefit you and your well-being or to book an appointment with us, call our office located in Las Vegas, Nevada, at 702-778-5900 or you can use our online scheduling tool today.