University of Maryland notes that with 60 percent of U.S. adults and 30 percent of children being overweight, the problem of too many pounds is reaching epidemic proportions. With 300,000 deaths attributed to obesity each year, it is a top preventable killer, alongside smoking. That's one reason many people search for fad diets and quick fixes for their weight issues. Sometimes weight-loss companies promote injections of vitamin B12, or overweight people buy oral supplements of B6 and B12, hoping for a quick solution. However, medical experts say there's no proof that these vitamins offer any magic when it comes to shedding pounds.
B12 and B6
B12 and B6 are two of the eight B vitamins. They help your body run smoothly by converting carbohydrates into energy. As water-soluble vitamins, they must be replenished through your diet.
B12 specializes in keeping nerve cells healthy, aids in DNA production and regulates red blood cells. B6 focuses on cognitive health by aiding the development of chemicals in the brain, and it helps you make serotonin and norepinephrine, which determine mood and sleep patterns, notes University of Maryland.
Sources
B12 is largely found in animal foods, such as meats, fish, dairy products and eggs. B6 can be found in these foods, too, and in fruits, vegetables, sunflower seeds and wheat products, notes Office Of Dietary Supplements.
The Mayo Clinic points out that B12 can be administered via injection at weight loss clinics as a specified treatment. Both B12 and B6 are available in pill form as dietary supplements at health-food stores.
Speculations
Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, says the theory behind B12 as a weight-loss treatment is that it will give you more energy, boosting your metabolism and, therefore, burning more calories. There is, however, no supporting evidence that this will cause weight loss. Similarly, the University of Maryland's detailed review of benefits of vitamin B6 makes no mention of it being a weight-loss aid.
Effects
The Mayo Clinic notes that B12 supplementation is likely to have little effect on an individual who is not deficient in that vitamin. Deficiency in B12 is rare. Supplementation of B12 is not likely to cause harm, but it could interfere with other medications.
B6 overdosing can cause some mild side effects, such as acne, skin irritations, nausea and headaches, the Mayo Clinic reports. Alcoholics, young children and the elderly are the most at risk for B6 deficiency.
Considerations
If you decide to self-medicate with B12 and B6, stick to the recommended daily allowance on the product label. Before you take such a step or before receiving B12 injections at a weight-loss clinic, talk with your doctor.
As much as overweight people might like to rapidly shed those excess pounds, there is no quick fix to losing weight. A balanced diet and increased physical activity are the surest path to healthy weight loss.
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