posted 7th May 2021
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and folate may be linked to depression and anxiety.
Vitamin B6 is required for making the calming neurotransmitter called GABA and for formation of other neurotransmitters, seratonin, dopamine and adrenalin. Prolonged stress depletes supplies of all B vitamins, and in particular B12. Not only is B12 used up by adrenaline production but the stress hormone cortisol thins the stomach lining and compromises its function.
Vitamin B12 is one of eight B vitamins that have a vital role in keeping our bodies in tip-top condition. B12 is arguably the most important; from fighting fatigue and keeping our bodies' nerve and blood cells healthy to producing DNA. Your body doesn't make Vitamin B12, so it's important to get it from a balanced diet. Beef, pork, eggs, milk, cheese and fish are all good sources of B12. f you're vegetarian or vegan, it may be that you aren't able to get enough B12 as you are excluding those food groups. B12 can be found in some breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts and in supplements. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in helping your body produce red blood cells. Low vitamin B12 levels cause a reduction in red blood cell formation and prevent them from developing properly.
Healthy red blood cells are small and round, whereas they become larger and typically oval in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency. Due to this larger and irregular shape, the red blood cells are unable to move from the bone marrow into the bloodstream at an appropriate rate, causing megaloblastic anemia. When you're anemic, your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your vital organs. This can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels may support your bone health. One study in more than 2,500 adults showed that people with a vitamin B12 deficiency also had lower than normal bone mineral density. Bones with decreased mineral density can become delicate and fragile over time, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Other studies have also shown a link between low vitamin B12 levels and poor bone health and osteoporosis, especially in women.
One of the most common early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue or lack of energy. Vitamin B12 supplements have long been touted as the go-to product for a surge of energy. All B vitamins play an important role in your body's energy production, though they don't necessarily provide energy themselves.
Heart health: High blood levels of the common amino acid homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. If you're significantly deficient in vitamin B12, your homocysteine levels become elevated. Studies have shown that vitamin B12 helps decrease homocysteine levels, which may reduce your risk of heart disease
