Vitamin B12 is one of the eight variations of Vitamin B and plays a key role in several different bodily functions, including the proper operation of the brain and nervous system, the production of red blood cells, cellular reproduction (including the creation of DNA), as well as the synthesis of fatty acids and energy production. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in many foods and is added to many others as part of the trend in fortifying foodstuffs with additional nutrients. This means that in general, Vitamin B12 deficiencies are rare in most Western societies, though people on a strict vegetarian or vegan diet sometimes have to put forth a conscious effort to maintain healthy Vitamin B12 levels.
In recent years Vitamin B12 has also become a favorite vitamin supplement, recommended for a whole series of physiological improvements: including weight loss, healthier skin, and stress reduction as well as an energy booster. The medical community is divided over all the claims being made over the value of a Vitamin B12 shot, but most doctors agree that there is no real danger in taking the vitamin as a supplement. Excess Vitamin B12 is usually passed through the colon, meaning there is no down side to taking the vitamin; therefore most doctors – regardless of their personal opinions about the value of the supplement – will provide a b12 injection more or less upon demand.
One of the interesting features of Vitamin B12 is that its absorption into the body is an extremely complex process, beginning in the mouth and then slowly being absorbed by the body throughout the digestive process. Further, the liver stores Vitamin B12 and most people that have received a moderate excess of B12 through their lives have a few years worth of the vitamin stored in their livers. This usually eliminates the threat of having a deficiency, but also does not provide the benefits that the supporters of the supplements taut. Instead, in order to receive these benefits, there should be a heavy dosage of the vitamin delivered directly into the blood stream via injection.
Vitamin B12 injections are administered by your local doctor and usually cost around US$25 per shot. Provided weekly, these Vitamin B12 shots have continued to grow in popularity which argues that the tangible benefits of getting the injections is worth both the inconvenience and the money to many people. The mere fact that so many people are willing to go to this much trouble for the supplement argues strongly that many of the benefits suggested by supporters are quite legitimate, as opposed to other supplements that can be taken for less money and more conveniently. Further, the effects of the injections are supposed to be noticeable within two days of receiving the injection, so you should be able to determine whether or not the supplement works for you personally quickly without obligating yourself too seriously until you see the effects.
{ 3 trackbacks }