What is Vitamin B12 and What Does it Do?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin.
It plays a vital role in brain function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.
Chemically, vitamin B12 can exist in a number of different forms, but all of them contain the mineral cobalt.
B12 Deficiency
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B12 is 6 micrograms per day.
Deficiency is common, especially in people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In fact, it’s thought that up to 90% of people following these diets have a deficiency.
This is because B12 is only found naturally in animal foods.
However, vegans and vegetarians are not the only ones who are deficient. Even some meat eaters don’t absorb it very well.
Unlike other vitamins, the absorption of vitamin B12 depends on a protein produced in your stomach, called intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, so that you can absorb it into the blood. People who don’t produce enough intrinsic factor can become deficient.
Deficiency is particularly common in elderly people, because the ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age.
Other people at risk of deficiency include those who have had intestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery. Those with diseases that affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, are also at risk.
B12 Shots Are Very Effective
An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems or pernicious anemia, which occurs when your body doesn’t have enough B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs.
Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly, or into muscle.
Injections are usually given as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.
Health Benefits of B12 Injections
Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences.
In fact, low blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to several health problems.
Brain Function
Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to a decline in brain function.
Two recent reviews found that there may be a link between low blood levels and the development of dementia.
However, results have been mixed and treatment with vitamin B12 wasn’t effective at improving brain function in people with normal brain function.
Depression
It’s been suggested that there may be a link between low vitamin B12 levels and depression.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the loss of bone mass results in weaker bones and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been linked with reduced bone mass.
Therefore, it’s been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that causes you to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes.
In people aged 50 and over, adequate consumption of vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration.
In one large study, 5,200 women received 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12 daily, as well as other B vitamins and folic acid.
7 years later, the study found a 35% lower risk of age-related macular degeneration among the women who took the supplements.
Although the reduction in risk can’t be attributed to vitamin B12 only, it does suggest that getting enough may be important.
Other Claims
Recently, vitamin B12 injections and infusions have become popular among healthy people who don’t appear to have a deficiency.
Advocates of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood.
Safety and Side Effects of B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections are generally considered to be very safe. They have no major side effects.
However, in very rare cases, some people can experience side effects caused by allergic reactions or sensitivity.
If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor.