Vitamin B12 has recently been touted by some as a mechanism for weight loss.
Taking Vitamin B12 on its own, and doing nothing more, will not allow you to lose the weight you are needing to lose. However, many people have success in utilizing Vitamin B12 as an important addition to their weight loss or weight management program. If you are looking to improve your metabolism, burn more calories, and have more energy, then read on to discover why we recommend Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which makes it readily available and easily absorbed by the body. Vitamin B12 assists in numerous essential bodily functions, including cellular metabolism, healthy red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. One of the most notable functions is its ability to assist the body in converting the foods we eat into glucose (energy).
Vitamin B12 also acts as a cofactor (needed in the body to activate enzymes) for protein and fat metabolism. Vitamin B12 also helps our body to metabolize (break down) the amino acid called homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can cause stroke, brain inflammation, vascular disease, erectile dysfunction, liver and kidney disease, thyroid problems, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and depression.
Interesting facts about Vitamin B 12:
- It is the vitamin with the most complex chemical structure
- It is unique in that it has a metal ion – cobalt
- It keeps hemoglobin (the oxygen transporters) inside the red blood cells
- It is essential for the preservation of the myelin sheath around nerves (therefore indicating its cognitive benefits to the body)
Our bodies can not make Vitamin B12, and so we have to get Vitamin B12 from either animal products or supplements.
From the above information, it is clear to see that Vitamin B12 supports a healthy metabolism. Thus one of the benefits of ensuring that you have adequate Vitamin B 12 levels, is that it will give your body the energy source it needs to lose weight. It assists in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism. Improvements in metabolic functioning will usually assist the body in losing weight -unless underlying issues are contributing to weight gain. In this case, addressing the underlying issues is key to successful weight loss. It has been observed that low Vitamin B 12 levels were present among people with obesity.
We know that Vitamin B12 is vital for the healthy functioning of the neurological system. Lowered Vitamin B12 levels have been linked to depression. Studies show that up to 30% of people hospitalized with depression had low vitamin B 12 levels. Studies have also shown that in the elderly, 70% of those with lowered Vitamin B12 levels were more likely to experience depression. The link between Vitamin B12 and depression helps us understand how Vitamin B 12 can indirectly affect weight loss. A person with depression is less likely to have the motivation and the energy needed to exercise and put in the effort needed to lose weight, stick to their goals, and make their appointments with their weight loss team. Vitamin B12 provides both the energy boost as well as the functional benefits to mental health, which indirectly assist the person with achieving their weight management goals.
The studies above indicated that the elderly were tested for lowered Vitamin B12 levels. It has been found that it can become more difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin B 12 with age. An older person who is struggling to lose weight may benefit from Vitamin B 12 supplementation in order to improve their metabolism and energy levels.
Did you know that Vitamin B12 is one vitamin that many people do not usually get enough of in their daily diets? – and providers recommend that everyone should take note of their Vitamin B12 intake and supplement accordingly if necessary. Oftentimes people will also choose to supplement their Vitamin B12 levels in times of high stress, or as we’ve explored today when trying to manage their weight.
If you’re looking to lose weight, have greater energy, or burn more calories, a Vitamin B12 injection is a good natural solution, that lasts for up to two weeks. At Natural Bio Health, we offer our clients an injection of 5,000 mg of the most potent form of B12. This injection is the most bioavailable form of Vitamin B12, ensuring you receive the health advantages you need!
Click here for more info on our Vitamin B injections.
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References:
- Vitagene.com – blog – https://vitagene.com/blog/vitamin-b12-for-weight-loss/
- Priyanka Sadhukhan – nutritionist – https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/vitamin-b12-deficiency-lead-to-weight-gain/
- Oregon State University – https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12
- WebMD.com – https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes