Vitamin B12

This is a water-soluble vitamin; hence it doesn’t stay in the body for a long. To ensure there is no deficiency and the body has enough vitamin B12 to perform various cognitive functions supplementation is a must.

Vitamin B12 offers health benefits by converting into different enzymes and chemicals that are crucial for the body. The formation of the amino acid methionine and methyl groups(whichare vital for the methylation of RNA and DNA), are two of the most important functions performed by vitamin B12.

Empirical data clearly show vitamin B12 has a deep impact on concentration, attention span, fluid intelligence, memory, and many other cognitive functions. Users ofvitamin B12 have reported less stress and anxiety, better mood, and restful sleep. Vitamin B12 is also associated with the production of the mood-related neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

Vitamin B12 restricts the production of homocysteine, which is linked to brain shrinkage, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular diseases.

There is a study that suggests the water-soluble vitamin can help treat skin conditions such as blemishes, reactions, rashes, and eczema. The vitamin is also used in the treatment of cancer. Vitamin B12 is used to alleviate emotional inexpressiveness, social withdrawal, and apathy, which are also the classic symptoms of schizophrenia.

Vitamin B12 and the Aging Brain: We can’t stress this enough – the importance of vitamin B12 supplementation grows as we age. Our digestive powers wane as we age, and along with this comesa reduction in our power to absorb vitamin B12 from food and natural sources.

Decades ago, researchers found that patients who had pernicious anemia characterized by low red blood cells also showed signs of poor absorption of vitamin B12. Patients who had this condition behaved erratically and also suffered from depression. Psychiatrists are quite sure that dementia, depression, and mental impairment in elderly are closely connected to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and other related vitamins.

Researchers in Europe have shown that administering vitamin B12, to people who had lower than normal levels of the vitamin, protected the parts of the brain that were affected by Alzheimer’s disease. In another study, injecting high doses of B12 slowed down cerebral atrophy.

Side Effects and Interactions: Those who take normal doses of Vitamin B12 rarely experience any side effects. People who are allergic to B12 may experience shock, itchy skin, and swelling. Taking high doses of this vitamin might lead to acne in some users.

Vitamin B12 is poorly absorbed by people who take drugs for diabetes and acid reflux.

Dosage: 1 – 25 mcg per day