Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the production and maintenance of cells within the body, serving as one of the key building materials used in cellular reproduction. As such it plays an essential role in the production and maintenance of the brain and nervous system by creating the protective fatty layer that covers all nerve cells. However, beyond these affects on the brain and nervous system, Vitamin B12 has a direct effect on virtually every cell in the human body, a fact that is clearly illustrated in instances of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Further it plays a key role in the creation and regulation of new DNA within the body’s cells.
Beyond the role it plays with nerve cells, Vitamin B12 is absolutely essential for the creation of new red blood cells and plays a key role in the treatment of various types of anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms can actually be quite severe. Indeed, a Vitamin B12 deficiency results in a form of anemia, Biermer’s disease or pernicious anemia. The body’s absorption of Vitamin B12 depends upon a glycoprotein known as the Intrinsic Factor, which is produced in the stomach by the parietal cells. Anything that results in the destruction of the stomach’s parietal cells leads to a lack of Intrinsic Factor, which in turn makes Biermer’s disease a permanent condition requiring the patient to take vitamin B12 supplements or a b12 shot for the rest of their lives.
Vitamin B12 also plays a role in helping the body metabolize and digest various substances as well as regulating the creation of others. Vitamin B12 plays an integral role in allowing the body to digest and metabolize various proteins, fats and carbohydrates. For example, it is required in order to permit the human body to breakdown and absorb calcium received from other sources. The vitamin also helps to regulate the body’s homocysteine levels, which has a direct bearing on the likelihood that a person will suffer from strokes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions.
Beyond these essential functions, Vitamin B12 benefits can be obtained through other substances. These include help with weight loss, by improving the body’s metabolism; helping with the creation and circulation of certain neurotransmitters that affect a person’s mood and stress levels; and serving as an effective natural energy booster by improving the body’s metabolizing of energy sources and improving blood circulation and production. Since any excess Vitamin B12 is safely excreted from the body, there are few consequences to taking excessive amounts of Vitamin B12 and many of these nonessential benefits are only realized when one takes considerably more of the vitamin than is absolutely essential for health and well being. For this reason, many people decide to take B12 shots regardless of whether they are suffering from b12 deficiency symptoms. B12 weight loss shots are becoming very common with weight loss doctors.
