Vitamin B12 or cobalamin, like other B vitamins, has a positive effect on the nervous system and mental health. Vitamin B12 participates in the creation of neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the transfer of information between cells. It also actively participates in the biosynthesis of nucleotides and choline, which are part of the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerves.Vitamin B12 also has a significant impact on our mental health. It helps maintain mental balance, facilitates learning and promotes concentration. It co-creates methionine, which is responsible for good mood.
Vitamin B12 participates in the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that shows anti-depressant activity at proper concentration. Low level of B12, and consequently serotonin, causes depression, bad mood, irritability and fatigue.
Furthermore, vitamin B12 is involved in the transformation of proteins, fat and carbohydrates into energy. Thus, it counteracts the feeling of tiredness and weakness of the body, prevents memory loss and increases the possibility of concentration.
It also plays an important role in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Deficiency of these blood cells causes anemia.Supplementation with vitamin B12 may alleviate the course of diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency:
The deficiency of vitamin B12 is manifested in annoyance, irritation and anxiety, lower resistance to depression and fatigue. Symptoms of deficiency may also be anemia and disturbing signals from the nervous system, such as numbness and tingling sensation, especially in the lower limbs, disturbances of balance and walking.
Symptoms of excess amount of Vitamin B12:
It has been found that vitamin B12 taken in excess does not adversely affect our body.
Sources of Vitamin B12 in food:
Vitamin B12 is present in many animal products such as: liver, kidneys, heart, lean meat, fish, crustaceans, cheese and eggs.
Supplementation with Vitamin B12:
Supplements which contain Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12, 500 mcg, 100 capsules (Puritan’s Pride) – product available here
Vitamin B12 (60 servings) (Formeds) – product available here
Vitamin B12 liposomal 100 ml (Cure Support) – product available here
Vitamin B12 liposomal 250 ml (Cure Support) – product available here
Vitamin B12 liposomal nose drops 1000 mcg, 5 ml (Cure Support) – product available here
Contraindications:
Vitamin B12 cannot be used by people with hereditary atrophy of the optic nerve. It should not be taken by people with hypersensitivity to cyanocobalamin.