Feeling sluggish and run down? Have trouble remembering things? Your body is trying to tell you something… something is missing. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, low energy, and even neurological changes.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps both nerves and red blood cells healthy. B12 contributes to the successful synthesis of DNA, which promotes the normal functioning of the nervous system and the production of hemoglobin. It’s no wonder that B12 is the go-to vitamin when it comes to boosting your metabolism and strengthening your immune system. While it’s hard to narrow down all the perks of B12 to just a handful, here are the top 5 benefits of vitamin B12.
1) Metabolism
Vitamin B12 acts as an enzyme cofactor, which means it helps boost your body’s energy production, making it faster and more efficient. B12 also plays a major role in helping the body convert fats and proteins into energy. It’s easy to see why people who have a B12 deficiency can suffer from symptoms of fatigue and weakness. A lack of B12 will prevent you from feeling your best and performing at your highest energy level.2) Immune System
Not only will a lack of B12 make you feel sluggish, it could also compromise your immune system. B12 helps enhance the immune system’s response to disease by fight off germs and other organisms.
3) Cognitive Function
Healthy B12 levels are needed for maintaining the health of vital nerve cells in the body, including those needed for neurotransmitter signaling. It also helps forms the protective covering of nerves called the myelin sheath. When B12 levels drop, so too does cognitive function. You may notice unusual mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.4) Sleep
It may not be the all the activity of those summer nights keeping you awake, low B12 levels may alter sleep patterns and make it more difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. B12 works closing with the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythms inside our bodies, which impacts our sleep patterns.5) Healthy Skin and Nails
B12 does wonders inside the body, but its benefits can also be seen on the outside as well. B12 benefits skin health by helping to reduce redness, inflammation, and dryness. It can also reduce hair breakage and help nails become stronger.
