Essential Role and Benefits of Vitamin B12

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Vitamin B12 Overview: Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is a water-soluble vitamin which is required by the body for a healthy brain, nervous system and red blood cells. This vitamin benefits your heart, mood, skin, hair, digestion and energy levels. Lack of vitamin b12 can show up negative symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, depression, stress and mood disorders. Vegetarians, heavy alcohol drinkers, pregnant women and elderly depend on vitamin B12 supplements to meet the requirement and to prevent its deficiency. Below mentioned are important functions of vitamin B12 in the body: Management Of Diabetic Complications: Diabetic neuropathy is common in individuals with long-standing diabetes. It affects the nerves and can cause damage throughout the body. Worsening of diabetic neuropathy is observed among individuals with …show more content…

Not getting sufficient amount of vitamin B12 increases abnormal cholesterol levels. Such an increase blocks blood flow to the heart. This weakens the heart and puts it at a risk of heart attack or stroke. Improves Cognitive Function: Literature has found that low levels of vitamin B12 is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Deficiency of vitamin B12 raises the level of homocysteine in the body which in turn has a negative effect on brain function, memory and ability to think. Homocysteine decreases acetylcholine, a vital brain chemical that acts as a messenger and assists in carrying signals to other cells. Imbalances in acetylcholine lowers the ability to form memories. Vitamin B12 further helps in the development and maintenance of brain cells. Eating rich sources of this water-soluble vitamin also improves concentration, memory, learning and reasoning. Hence, vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy brain and elderly who are at a risk of dementia should consume good sources of vitamin B12. (8, 9) Essential For A Healthy

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