There is little doubt that vitamin B12 is an essential part of any diet to improve health. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is one of eight vital B vitamins and part of the B complex grouping. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, all B vitamins, including B12, are water-soluble, meaning the body does not store them. B12 helps proliferate red blood cells, maintain nerve cells and aid in production of DNA. Deficiency of B12 can cause serious health problems, such as anemia. While B12 is important to maintain life, it has less value as an aid for weight loss.
About B12
Ensuring that your body has enough vitamin B12 is vital to your health. B12 helps fight pernicious anemia, heart disease, fatigue and cancer and improves cognitive function. If you do not ingest proper quantities of B12 daily, you may have difficulty remembering things and focusing on work. If you are dieting, your body can become B12 deficient. Meat is a prime source for B12. Changing your meal plans to include foods rich in B12, such as dairy products or fish, can help you feel better and have more energy while you diet.
About Weight Loss
Some clinics promote B12 injections as a tool for weight loss. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, there is no proof that this will work. Although B12 is important, it is not effective for weight loss. This is true whether the B12 delivery method is injection or pill form. The only way taking additional B12 will benefit weight loss is if you were deficient in the first place. By getting an injection, you are resolving the deficiency and will probably feel more energetic. Zeratsky says that a B12 injection is safe if proper handling and medical protocols are followed, but not necessary for weight loss.
Benefits of B12
If your body lacks B12, increasing the vitamin in your diet can only improve the situation. This is true whether you are trying to lose weight or not. B12 supplementation is available in a basic multivitamin as part of the B complex grouping. If you are vegan, taking a B12 supplement is recommended since animal protein and dairy products are primary sources of the vitamin. If you are not vegan, increase how much meat you meat to increase B12 intake naturally. As far as weight loss goes, if you are healthy with a balanced diet, supplements are not needed.
Considerations
Do not take any dietary vitamins, including a multivitamin, if you take prescription medications without discussing it with your doctor first. Supplements can interfere with other drugs. If you feel weak and dizzy, don't assume you need to take B12 supplements. See a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Do not take B12 if you are on tetracycline or antibiotics unless directed by a doctor. The best way to lose weight is to cut portion sizes and eat healthy. If you eat right, you will get the proper amount of B12 without a supplement.
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