Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, plays an important role in the functioning of your body, particularly your metabolism. Vitamin B-12 is found in a number of dietary sources, including eggs, meat, fish, seafood and dairy. Vitamin B-12 diet pills might contribute to weight loss in those who are deficient in the vitamin due to its role in supporting metabolism. However, according to MayoClinic.com, it remains unproven, as of 2011, that vitamin B-12 will lead to weight loss in others.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water for ready use in your body. It is slightly different than other water-soluble vitamins in that your body can store vitamin B-12 in your liver for years, where typically excess water-soluble vitamins are expelled in your urine. Vitamin B-12 is an important member of the B-vitamin family, contributing to the formation of red blood cells, maintaining your central nervous system and in supporting metabolism.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Vitamin B-12 deficiencies occur when your body has difficulty absorbing or using the vitamin. Disorders that affect the absorption abilities of the small intestine, such as celiac disease, might lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency. Pernicious anemia, a condition that affects your body's production of red blood cells, is related to your body's inability to absorb vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 deficiency might contribute to symptoms of neuropathy, such as tingling and numbness. It might also contribute to weight loss, anemia or difficulties with balance.
Vitamin B-12 and Weight Loss
At time of publication, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of vitamin B-12 supplements for weight loss, whether in pill or injection form, reports MayoClinic.com. The website states that unless you are displaying vitamin B-12 deficiency, it is unlikely that taking vitamin B-12 supplements will influence your metabolism. Medscape reports that weight loss programs relying on the use of vitamin B-12 diet pills or injections are not based upon sound scientific evidence.
Caution
Talk to your doctor about B-12 supplements and possible drug interactions or side effects before you begin taking the vitamin. Drugs.com reports parenteral cyanocobalamin treatment might contribute to pulmonary edema, heart failure and peripheral vascular thrombosis. Drugs.com also reports gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as skin problems, such as itching. You might also experience dizziness or other nervous system symptoms. Respiratory side effect might occur, as well as arthritis, myalgia and back pain.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B-12; Linda Vorvick, M.D.
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin B-12; 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Vitamin B-12 Injections for Weight Loss: Do They Work?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; 2011;
- Drugs.com: Vitamin B-12 Side Effects
- Medscape: Does Vitamin B-12 Promote Weight Loss?; Gayle Nicholas Scott, Pharm.D.
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