Why vitamin B12 is useful and what is it for

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin or cobalamin) has beneficial properties necessary for the full functioning of the human body. Cobalamin actively promotes the formation of new blood cells and tissue regeneration. The benefit lies in the fact that the element contributes to the smooth functioning of all its systems. Lack of this valuable substance: it is harmful to health and causes ailments and, as a result, various diseases. The benefits and harms of vitamin B12 is a topic that requires detailed consideration.

Description and characteristics of vitamin B12

Cobalamin was first discussed in the 19th century, when the lethal form of anemia was being investigated. In 1934, they began to thoroughly study the beneficial properties of vitamin B12, and only twelve years later, cyanocobalamin began to be sold in pharmacies. It has a complex structure. It is a water-soluble vitamin, therefore it is present in the body for a short time, and then exits with urine through the kidneys. It contains cobalt and other useful minerals. Accumulates in liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen for further use. The valuable powdery substance has a dark red color, odorless. Resistant to high temperatures and light rays. It is destroyed under the influence of alcohol, acids, estrogens, sleeping pills, of any concentration.

What are the benefits of vitamin B12

Cobalamin is rich in unique properties. The benefits of vitamin B12 for the human body are confirmed by numerous medical studies of world scientists.

Useful properties of vitamin B12:

• activates forces;
• normalizes pressure;
• produces energy reserves in cells;
• prevents memory loss, dementia (used in Alzheimer's disease);
• improves memory, concentration (recommended for school-age children);
• maintains brain function during AIDS;
• eliminates anemia;
• improves appetite (useful for the development of children);
• restores the reproductive system;
• promotes the formation of blood cells;
• restores the psyche;
• fights stress, insomnia;
• contributes to the normal functioning of the liver;
• saturates cells with oxygen (necessary for hypoxia).
• speeds up metabolism;
• improves the metabolism of fats in the liver;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• takes part in the formation of DNA, as well as the membranes of nerve cells.

Vitamin B12 in the blood is beneficial for the normal functioning of organs. Lack or excess is harmful and indicates the appearance of abnormal processes.

If the body does not receive the valuable properties of this element, a person will begin to show various ailments, which will lead to the emergence of serious diseases.Lack of substance is harmful to health, can lead to anemia, mental imbalance, multiple sclerosis, paralysis.

Vitamin B12 for women

The benefits of vitamin B12 for women are enormous, especially if pregnancy is planned. This substance is one of the group of elements that provide positive chemical reactions at the molecular level. Women need two forms of the substance: cyanocobalamin and hydroxycobalamin, the properties of which ensure the breakdown of complex and the absorption of simple ones. The presence of substances helps with the conception and bearing of a child. Their benefits in strengthening the bones of postmenopausal women, i.e. when hormonal disruptions begin, calcium stores decrease.

According to experts, the benefits of cyanocobalamin for women after 40 are invaluable. The compound's beneficial properties help you stay fit. To start the process of burning fat, the body waits for a signal from the brain, the activity of which decreases with a deficiency of a valuable element and, accordingly, the rate of breakdown of fat deposits slows down.

The use of vitamin B12 for the face helps women fight age-related changes: it moisturizes the skin, removes pallor, pigmentation. Vitamin is often included in the composition of cosmetics of the age series: masks, creams.

The benefits of vitamin B12 for hair are its complex effects on hair health and growth. Thanks to the application of the properties of the valuable compound, changes can be noticed:

• loss of hair loss;
• growth accelerates;
• hair follicles are restored;
• dandruff disappears;
• a natural shine appears.

A mask with vitamins B6 and B12 is an excellent remedy for hair treatment. Useful properties make them thick, shiny.

Vitamin B12 for men

Cyanocobalamin is called the main male vitamin, which is beneficial for health. Lack of this compound harms men's health, leads to depression, loss of strength, infertility, impotence. If a man has decreased energy, productivity, lost interest in the intimate sphere of life, then it is necessary to increase the useful reserves of the element. Its beneficial properties will return positive mood, heart health, concentration, and attention. Deficiency of the compound is harmful: it impairs the quality of male semen, sperm inactivity, causes erectile dysfunction, can lead to impotence, infertility. It is necessary to increase the dose of cobalamins and the beneficial properties of the element will solve the problems of the genital area.

Vitamin B12 for children

Cyanocobalamin is beneficial for the child's body.

Its beneficial properties contribute to:

• appetite;
• full growth;
• elimination of irritability;
• increasing concentration, memory.

In the first years of a child's life, the beneficial properties of the element are necessary for the production of red blood cells. Lack of connection is harmful and leads to anemia.

Indications for the use of vitamin B12

The element is recommended for hypovitaminosis of cyanocobalamin in people who follow a diet that does not include food of animal origin in the required amounts. In such cases, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency appear that are detrimental and also indicate signs of the spread of further significant disorders:

• tingling sensation at the end of the fingers and toes;
• tinnitus;
• nervous disorders;
• constant tiredness;
• decreased vision;
• migraine.

Such symptoms are harmful and develop into such diseases: anemia, hepatitis, pancreatitis, memory loss.

Due to its beneficial properties, it is prescribed for anemia in women, with significant blood loss, in case of menstrual disorders.

Indications for the use of a useful compound are:

• radiation sickness;
• weakened immunity;
• immunodeficiencies;
• multiple sclerosis;
• radiculitis;
• polio;
• encephalitis;
• infectious diseases in infants.

Where is vitamin B12 found

In the body, a valuable compound is not produced, but comes with food, vitamin complexes, biological active additives. But coming from natural foods provides more benefits than artificial supplements.

Animal products

The most significant amount of the nutrient is found in the liver of animals and birds (especially beef and veal), as well as in offal (liver, kidney, heart). It is recommended to consume these foods with vegetables and herbs several times a week.

The second place is taken by sardines, oysters, herring, crabs, predatory fish.

In third place is dairy products (milk, cheese, cottage cheese, etc.), which must be consumed to eliminate the cyanocobalamin deficiency.

Vegetable products

In plant products, they are present in small doses. With vegetarianism, it is additionally necessary to take vitamins in order not to cause harm, to avoid hypovitaminosis. Some of the element is found in green salad, soy, spinach, seaweed, radish, and turnip. In cereals, nuts, the dose of cobalamin is small.

Vitamin B12 drinks

To replenish the beneficial properties, you need to drink a glass of regular or soy milk every day, if you have lactose intolerance. Yogurt also contains this compound.

Daily intake of vitamin B12

The compound consumption rate depends on the person's age. Children under ten years old need less vitamin, the older they get.

For babies

Babies under six months need 0.4 mcg per day. Sometimes a given dose of a valuable substance comes with breast milk. Infants from 7 to 12 months require 0.5 mcg per day. It is imperative to consult a pediatrician.

For older children

For full development, children from 1 to 3 years old need 0.9 μg, from 4 years old - up to 8-1.2 μg. In older children, from 9 to 13 years old, the daily requirement is 1.8 mcg. It is not recommended to give without the recommendation of a doctor.

For adults

Adults are considered to be men and women over 18 years old. For them, the daily dose ranges from 2.4 to 2.8 mcg.

For pregnant and lactating women

For pregnant women, regardless of gestational age and age, the daily requirement is 3.0-4.5 mcg. For women who are breastfeeding, 3.0-4.9 mcg is recommended as the infant must also receive its dose of cobalamin.

Causes and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

The cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is a malfunction of the digestive system, which does not fully absorb healthy foods and is harmful. This is facilitated by:

• alcohol consumption;
• taking medications;
• anemia;
• removal of part of the intestine;
• viruses, bacteria in the digestive system;
• hereditary diseases.

Deficiency symptoms:

1. Anemia is a disease in which weakness, dizziness, fainting, and decreased performance are manifested. During physical exertion, it makes a noise in the ears, heart rate increases.
2. Changes in the color and state of the surface of the tongue. It becomes bright red, smooth. The gums begin to bleed.
3. Loss of appetite, weight.
4. The work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are observed.
5. Limbs go numb.
6. Muscle weakness.
7. There is irritability, depression.
8. The process of urination and defecation is complicated.

Doctors have shown that in people of mature age, the absorption of the vitamin is slower. With a deficiency, a violation of the nervous system is possible.

Excess vitamin B12 in the body

An excess of vitamin B12 in the body can occur with an incorrectly prescribed therapeutic dose of the drug, which is harmful and leads to such diseases:

• hepatosis - the deposition of fat in the liver, leading to cirrhosis of the liver;
• heart failure;
• vascular thrombosis;
• anaphylactic shock;
• metabolic disorder.

To normalize the dose of an element, you need to exclude foods with this vitamin from the menu. It is necessary to use radishes, onions, garlic, which contribute to the rapid removal of an excess dose.

Vitamin B12 and vegetarianism

Since the element is found in animal products, vegetarians need to eat such foods so as not to harm their health:

• vitamin complexes containing B12;
• vegetable broths, corn flakes, soy milk, sunflower oil.

Regularly monitor its level by taking tests in medical institutions.

The body constantly accumulates vitamin B12 in reserve. Therefore, vegetarians do not initially experience symptoms of cobalamin deficiency. In order not to cause harm, you need to eat meat and dairy products several times a week.

Interaction of vitamin B12 with other substances

The intake of cyanocobalamin can be interfered with by potassium. Short-term use of it is not dangerous, but with long-term use, there may be a shortage of reserves of cyanocobalamin.

When taking medications, the absorption of a valuable compound is disturbed. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in large amounts affects the ability to absorb B12 from food.

In what dosage forms is vitamin B12 produced?

Forms of vitamin B12 release

• tablets;
• liquid consistencies for injections;
• mineral and vitamin products (dragees or powder).

Cobalamin is also produced as a syrup.

Potential harm to vitamin B12 and contraindications

Before using a useful element, in order to avoid harm, it is necessary to find out contraindications for use:

• increased hemoglobin;
• the number of red blood cells is increased;
• drug intolerance;
• thromboembolism;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• malignant, benign neoplasms;
• megaloblastic anemia;
• angina pectoris.

Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin B12 - headache, dizziness, tachycardia, heart pain, allergies, diarrhea.

Conclusion

Currently, the benefits and harms of vitamin B12 have been proven by scientists. It is a valuable substance for the human body, with a deficiency of which serious diseases can appear. The main thing is to consult a doctor before using to get the benefits of the substance.