Potential health benefits

Given the vital roles that vitamin B12 plays in your body, a deficiency can have serious health consequences. In fact, low blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to several health problems.

Brain function

Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to decline in brain function. Two recent reviews found that there may be a link between low blood levels and the development of dementia. However, results have been mixed and treatment with vitamin B12 wasn’t effective at improving brain function in people with normal brain function.

Depression

It’s been suggested that there may be a link between low vitamin B12 levels and depression. However, one review found that treating depression with vitaminB12 didn’t reduce the severity of symptoms. Nevertheless, it was suggested that taking the vitamin on a long-term basis could help prevent a relapse into depression. Currently, there is a lack of quality research in this areas. Higher quality studies are needed to find out if there is a link between vitamin B12 and depression.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the loss of bone mass results in weaker bones and an increased risk of bone fractures. Interestingly, low blood levels of vitamin B12 have been linked with reduced bone mass. Therefore, it’s been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce your risk of osteoporosis. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age related macular degeneration is a condition that causes you to gradually lose central vision, usually in both eyes. In people aged 50 and over, adequate consumption of vitamin B12 is thought to be important for maintaining good vision and protecting against macular degeneration. In one large study, 5200 women received 1,00 mcg of vitamin B12 daily, as well as other B vitamins and folic acid.

Recently, vitamin B12 injections and infusions have become popular among healthy people who don’t appear to have a deficiency. Advocates of this approach claim that regular injections can boost energy levels and help with weight loss and mood.

Bottom Line – Ensuring that you have enough vitamin B12 is important for brain function and mental, bone and eye health.