Vitamin B-12, also referred to as cobalamin, is one of the eight B vitamins and part of the B-complex group of vitamins. All B vitamins are water-soluble, which means that remaining amounts of this vitamin leave your body through urination. Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin and is beneficial for your body in several ways.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although there is no evidence to support the claim that B12 alone can help reduce the chances of breast cancer, population studies found women who have more folate in their daily diet have lower incidence of breast cancer. Since B12 works with folate in the body, its presence may help to prevent breast cancer.
Prevention of Pernicious Anemia
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that a condition called pernicious anemia takes place when your stomach cells cannot make intrinsic factor and the body cannot absorb B12 as a result. Symptoms of this condition include pale skin, weight loss, fever and weakness. Vitamin B12 is recommended for people suffering pernicious anemia and it is prescribed in high doses to treat the condition.
Heart Disease
Studies have shown that patients who have high levels of amino acid homocysteine in the body are likely to develop coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. A good way to decrease high levels of homocysteine is to take a variety of B-complex vitamins as the amino acid is strongly influenced by them, especially vitamin B12.
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