Vitamin B12 plays many roles inside your body. It is responsible for helping to form red blood cells, to keep your brain functioning properly and to promote DNA synthesis. It also plays a substantial role in keeping metabolic functions in check, such as keeping your blood pressure under control. Without adequate vitamin B12 inside your body, you risk elevation of an amino acid that can increase blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid, a type of molecule that helps to form proteins. Homocysteine is produced inside the body naturally, but high levels of this amino acid inside of your blood can be bad. Having a high homocysteine level can increase the coagulation of your blood, meaning it can more easily clot. This can increase your chances of heart disease or stroke. A higher homocysteine level also decreases the proper functioning of your blood vessels. If your blood vessels are affected, they may not be as pliable or react to changes inside your body properly by dilating, which can cause a rise in your blood pressure.
B12 and Homocysteine
Vitamin B12 is essential in the control over your homocysteine levels, metabolizing methionine inside the blood. Homocysteine is derived from methionine. An elevation of methionine levels due to a vitamin B12 deficiency causes an increase in the production of homocysteine levels. Therefore, keeping your vitamin B12 levels in a healthy and normal range can also help to control your blood pressure.
B12 Deficiency
There are certain populations at greater risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency, specifically those with digestive problems. Any condition that impairs your absorption of vitamin B12 through the diet can cause a deficiency. Older adults, those with celiac or Chron's diseases, or those who have had weight loss surgery may be at increased risk. Pregnant women on strict diets or vegetarians are also at risk, because many sources of vitamin B12 are derived from animals. Finally, if you have been diagnosed with pernicious anemia, you may be at risk for a B12 deficiency, because you cannot properly absorb this vitamin if you have this condition.
Sources and Recommendations
Your recommended intake of vitamin B12 varies by your age. Infants up to six months of age need 0.4 mcg per day, while those seven to 12 months need 0.5 mcg per day. From ages 1 to 3, intake needs 0.9 mcg per day. From ages 4 to 8, 1.2 mcg per day is needed. From 9 to 13 years of age, 1.8 mcg per day is needed. From 14 years on, you need to consume 2.4 mcg per day. Sources of vitamin B 12 include beef, clams, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, chicken and cereal.
