Jogging or drinking a cup of coffee is the most usual way to energize yourself for the day ahead. However, supplements like vitamin B12 also work effectively for significant energy boosts.
Read below to learn more about vitamin B12 role in energy metabolism for bodily functions. Also, look at the mentioned sources of vitamin B12 and the common signs of deficiency.
Vitamin B12: A Good Energy Source
Vitamin B12 1000 mcg works to metabolize the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in your diet and convert it into glucose, giving you energy boosts and thus, making it a necessary nutrient for good health. Furthermore, it is one of the eight essential B vitamins because it has a number of additional functions, like:
- Generating RBCs
- Preventing megaloblastic anemia
- Strengthening the nervous system health
- Producing components of DNA
- Lowering chances of anemia (B12 deficiency anemia)
It is called the “magic vitamin” for the above reasons. In addition, this water-soluble vitamin plays a significant role in regulating cognitive functions and preventing related issues. Thus, it reduces fatigue and boosts your energy levels while enhancing memory and preventing heart diseases on the side.
5 Signs That Indicate Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The human body is designed to show signs whenever it lacks something essential for proper functioning, and the same goes for vitamin B12 undersupply. Here are the common indicators of insufficient B12:
- You feel tired and weak: Unable to do everyday things like climbing stairs without feeling out of oxygen. Also, fatigue is common in individuals with B12 deficiency.
- You tend to forget day-to-day things: You may not remember where you put things, and your brain starts to fog up.
- You are losing weight continuously: Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause you to lose appetite because your tongue may become smooth and swollen.
- You feel anxious and depressed: Since vitamin B12 is required to produce dopamine and serotonin, its shortage may wreck your emotions.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Our body doesn’t generate B12, so you have to rely upon external sources for intake. A wide variety of animal products contain adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Some of the familiar sources of B12 are meat, eggs, fish, milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified breakfast products like cereal, and nutritional yeast.
However, you can also take B12 tablets and energy drinks for an instant dose. B12 drips/shots are injected into people who are suffering from chronic B12 deficiency anemia or take medication that reduces its absorption.
How much is Vitamin B12 Necessary?
For adults, around 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 is necessary per day. However, in the case of high doses, it is harmless since it is a water-soluble vitamin and doesn’t have any adverse side effects. Also, the recommended intake varies with several factors like lifestyle, diet, age, health, etc.
Conclusion:
The above discussion concludes that vitamin B12 quickly converts foodstuff into glucose and serves as an energy source with several additional benefits. Therefore, everyone, primarily older people, should ensure that they are consuming adequate amounts of B12 for proper bodily functions. Furthermore, if you experience the above deficiency symptoms, contact your health provider as soon as possible for a checkup.
