The Benefits of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps the body create DNA, nourishes the brain and nervous system, and assists with the formation of normal red blood cells. The nutrient occurs naturally in meat, fish, and dairy products, and can be created in a laboratory.

Some people lack a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12 from foods and supplements. A lack of B12 can put you at higher risk for a specific type of anemia that makes you feel weak and tired.

There are several benefits of Vitamin B12 as follows:

Brain Health

Studies show that vitamin B12 can help with brain and nervous system function, memory, mood, and depression. Vitamin B12 plays a role in serotonin production, so a deficiency may be connected with clinical depression. In one study, disabled older women with a B12 deficiency were found to have double the risk of severe depression as those without a deficiency.

In addition, excessive levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with better chances of recovery from major depressive disorder.

Skin Health

Vitamin B12 is known to help the skin, hair, and nails. Deficiency in the vitamin leads to discolored patches, skin hyper pigmentation, vitiligo, reduced hair growth and more.

Heart Health

Studies show that vitamin B12 reduces homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that's connected with an increase in heart disease. Researchers have found that people who have modestly elevated homocysteine levels have higher rates of heart attack and stroke.