Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

B12 deficiency is highly prevalent today and many of the symptoms of deficiency in this essential vitamin accumulate over time. Lack of B12 causes loss of energy, cognitive decline, poor memory, confusion, and even personality changes. The importance of B12 cannot be over stated – this vitamin is absolutely essential for proper brain and bodily function.

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient for normal brain and nervous system function that is involved in the metabolism of every single cell in the human body. It is involved in the creation of the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Humans cannot synthesize Vitamin B12 in the body and must obtain this vital nutrient through external sources.

This vitamin is the most chemically complex of all the vitamins. This vitamin is active in the growth and protection of the nervous system. Larger quantities are especially necessary to protect against neurological deterioration as we age. It has been shown to reverse the symptoms of rare neurological diseases such as Bell’s palsy. Its most important role is as a methyl group donor, which is a crucial step in many of our main detoxification pathways.

B12 helps folate enter cells, maintains red blood cells, is involved in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbs, supports the immune system, is needed for central nervous system function, helps produce genetic material for cells & helps manufacture amino acids.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency are:

Weakness, fatigue or low energy
Elevated homocysteine (= high cholesterol)
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Loss of appetite
Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation
Frequent bruising or bleeding
Anemia
Depression, irritability or mood issues
Numbness and tingling in hands or feet
Brain fog, memory loss, confusion, or dementia

The absorption, assimilation and methylation of B12 is a very complex process, which leaves many opportunities for error. For this reason, even those who consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in their diets could still have a functional B12 deficiency.