How to Benefit from Vitamin B12 Nutrition Supplements

Vitamin B12, commonly referred to by scientists as cyanocobalamin, stands out among other B vitamins. Vitamin B12 supports the brain and the central nervous system. It also is a principle source of energy, playing an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B12 also is key to the production of blood. A deficiency of vitamin B12 may result in loss of appetite, irritability, fatigue and depression.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat and prevent pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the synthesis of blood. B12 was discovered when it was found that the cause of pernicious anemiais the inability to absorb vitamin B12. Pernicious anemia is an extremely serious disease, and prior to the 1920's was normally fatal. It is now treated with various forms of administration of vitamin B12.

• 2

  Support nervous system functioning. Vitamin B12 is regulates nervous system function. Lack of vitamin B12 can result in decreased cognitive ability, abnormal stress levels and depression. During pregnancy, consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency can result in permanent harm to the nervous system of the fetus.

• 3

  Lower homocystine levels to prevent heart disease. It has been discovered that high levels of a substance called homcystine in the blood is a risk factor for heart disease. Homocystine is a harmful protein. Vitamin B12 has been shown to lower homocystine levels in the blood to prevent heart attacks and to prevent repeat heart attacks in women.

• 4

  Reduce the risk of eye conditions. Studies are beginning to show that vitamin B12 can reduce a leading cause of blindness. Macular degeneration is a slow but incurable form of blindness that progresses in old age. A recent study of older persons showed that B12 supplement lowered the percentage of new cases of macular degeneration by almost half.

• 5

  Prevent Dementia. Vitamin B12 has many important benefits for the elderly, another of which is prevention of dementia. Because of its critical role in the brain, vitamin B12 shows promise in the prevention of mood disorders and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia in elderly people.