B12: The Little Vitamin with Big Benefits - Dynamic Life Health Center

Feeling fatigued, weak, or as if your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be is not a normal consequence of aging. You might feel as though you’re just rundown from the everyday life burdens and depression could be getting the best of you.

But a deficiency in your vitamin B12 could be the cause of these symptoms. Close to 40% of Americans struggle with a vitamin B12 deficiency and it’s thought to be one of the leading vitamin deficiencies in the world.

This VIP vitamin plays many roles in your body which is why having a deficiency could affect many parts of your body. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, producing red blood cells, and protecting your central nervous system and heart.

Those on a vegetarian or vegan diet have trouble getting enough of vitamin B12 because it’s mainly found in animal-based foods. Depending on your digestive health such as those with Crohn’s disease, gut dysbiosis, or unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly could put you at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency as well. This is because your small intestine is an important place for absorption of vitamin B12.

Eating and absorbing enough of this beneficial vitamin can make all the difference in your mood, energy level, memory retention, and more.

Vitamin B12’s Role in Your Body

Vitamin B12 is a multifaceted vitamin, and your body needs this nutrient for many different tasks. Vitamin B12 plays is a key player in the following functions in your body:

DNA synthesis
Synthesis of fatty acids and energy production
Formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis)
Assist in the absorption of folic acid
Synthesis of myelin sheaths in your central nervous system

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B12 deficiency can easily be masked by its common symptoms. Feeling tired, sluggish, or depressed seems may make it seem as though you’re just the average American stressed and not getting enough sleep. But this might not be the case and if you have any of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency you should be tested. Since vitamin B12 can protect your heart and prevent neurodegenerative diseases it’s important to take action.

The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

Tired or chronic fatigue
Weakness or muscle aches
Numbness or tingling
Joint pain
Changes in mobility
Pale or jaundiced skin
Shortness of breath or lightheadedness
Mental problems such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, memory loss, and cognitive decline
Irritability
Digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal cramping
Mouth ulcers

Since vitamin B12 is essential in producing red blood cells when you have a vitamin B12 deficiency this may lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition in which you have low red blood cells and hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is important for binding and transporting oxygen to your organs and tissues. This is why vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to certain symptoms.

Those with pernicious anemia develop anemia from malabsorption of vitamin B12. This type of anemia originates from a lack of an intrinsic factor in your intestines which prevents you from absorbing vitamin B12 properly – leading to vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

Top 7 Benefits of Vitamin B12 for Your Body

Prevents anemia – Vitamin B12 is necessary for erythropoiesis which means the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency inhibits red blood cell production leading to anemia. Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells and the oxygen which binds to it.
Boosts energy levels – Fatigue usually comes from a result of anemia in those with vitamin B12 deficiency because of decreased oxygen in your body. Vitamin B12 plays an essential part in cellular energy production so increasing this vitamin if your deficient can help reduce tiredness and chronic fatigue leaving you feeling energized.
Prevents memory loss and lowers risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia – Vitamin B12 has been found to lower a protein building block called homocysteine in the blood which is correlated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease. A sheath made of myelin protects your spinal, cranial, and peripheral nerves and vitamin B12 is essential for the production of this protective covering. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological problems
Protects your heart health – High concentrations of homocysteine in the blood has been strongly associated with high risk of heart attack and stroke. When your body has enough vitamin B12 it can benefit your cardiovascular health by reducing blood levels of homocysteine and protect your heart health.
Supports healthy skin, hair, and nails – Vitamin B12 benefits your skin, hair, and nails because it’s an essential vitamin in cell reproduction. Studies show with vitamin B12 deficiency, symptoms of skin pigmentation, nail discoloration, and hair changes have occurred.
Boosts mood and symptoms of depression – Vitamin B12 with a sufficient amount of folate is an essential cofactor for the enzymes which produce an important neurotransmitter regulating mood – serotonin. Studies show those with vitamin B12 deficiency show a twofold risk of severe depression.
Improves metabolism – All vitamins and minerals are important in all metabolic reactions in the body. Vitamin B12 itself is an important coenzyme for the proper metabolism of fats and proteins. It’s involved in the breakdown of sugar in the body to helplower blood sugar.

Vitamin B12 Injections in Dallas/Fort Worth Area

If you’re struggling with vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption from digestive health issues, dietary choices, or pernicious anemia – vitamin B12 injections are a great alternative option. Vitamin B12 injections bypass gastrointestinal absorption so you can

get the full benefits of vitamin B12. It’s important for your heart health, neurological health, mental health, and more.

If you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area let us help you at Dynamic Life Health Center to test for vitamin B12 deficiency and supplement with vitamin B12 injections for optimal results. Request to book an appointment today with Dr. Lyn Berutti or call (817) 912-1600.