Vitamin B12 benefits and dosage

Here's the thing about Vitamin B12: it's an essential vitamin that the body needs, but on its own it can't produce. Luckily, certain foods and supplements can help you get the vitamin B12 benefits.

Vitamin B12 benefits

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for:

• Keeping the body’s blood cells healthy

• Aiding with DNA production

• Encouraging antibodies after vaccination or infection

• Vital for healthy nerve function

• Low levels can result in irreversible neurological damage.

It's part of the vitamin B complex, and you can read more about each of the other B vitamins here:

• Vitamin B1

• Vitamin B2

• Vitamin B3

• Vitamin B5

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B7

• Vitamin B9

What are the benefits and side effects of vitamin B12?

Health benefits of vitamin B12 for the brain

As the most structurally complex and largest vitamin, B12 (also known as methylcobalamin—try saying that after a few sherries!) is essential for our brains. Every single cell in the body is dependent on vitamin B12 for metabolism—for brains that means energy for neurons to communicate.

Low levels of B12 can double your chances of developing a mood illness, as it has a major effect on the production of serotonin—a chemical in the brain that regulates mood.

What does B12 do for your body?

B12 also has a myriad of benefits for the body—it’s needed to create DNA, which could help us to age in a healthier way.

Is vitamin B12 safe? What are the side effects?

There are no studies that have shown that taking B12 is dangerous or has any negative side effects. You can't overdose on vitamin B12 as excess is excreted through urine.

What happens when your vitamin B12 is low?

B12 is a bit of a superstar—and there are many reasons why it’s dangerous to be lacking in this vitamin. 

As it’s largely found in animal sources, fortified foods, and supplements, vegans and vegetarians need to keep an eye on their levels—in a 2019 study, 20% of the 172 vegan participants were low in B12. And it’s not just those who avoid animal products. In one study, up to 20% of the general population were predicted as being low in B12, and this rose to 30-40% in older people.

Healthy nerve function is dependent on vitamin B12, and if you don’t absorb or consume enough, this could lead to nerve damage in the spinal cord, which could result in a rare condition called sub-acute. 

This nifty vitamin is also essential for creating antibodies and fighting infections—a lack of it has been associated with irritation of the stomach lining, which can lead to stomach problems and worse.

Low B12 levels also cause red blood cells to become larger and irregular in shape, which means they struggle to move into the bloodstream at a normal rate. This can result symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.

Signs of low levels of B12 include:

• A smooth, sore tongue

• Tiredness

• Exhaustion

• Lack of concentration

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Difficulty walking

• Poor memory

• Pale or jaundiced skin

• Pins and needles

• Menstrual illnesses

Simply avoiding these nasty symptoms is one of the main benefits of vitamin B12!

How to get enough Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 Foods

The following foods are great sources of vitamin B12:

• Fish

• Eggs

• Meat

• Milk

• Cheese

• Fortified cereals

Who should take a vitamin B12 supplement?

As you can see, vitamin B12 is largely derived from meat and dairy products, and so people following a plant-based or vegetarian diet may choose to supplement to ensure they are getting enough vitamin B12.

Those who do eat meat may also want to consider supplementing, especially as they age, as the body’s capacity for absorption lowers.

Is taking B12 everyday good for you?

Yes! The Nutrient Reference Value (NRV—formerly RDA) is around 2.4mg per day to get vitamin b12 benefits.

How long does it take for a B12 supplement to start working?

There is no single answer—B12 is one of the few water-soluble vitamins that can be stored in the liver for long periods of time, however, if you are low in this vitamin it is best to start taking it as soon as possible.

So, what is vitamin B12 good for? what are the benefits of taking vitamin B12?

To sum up, B12 ensures that the body can produce DNA, helps our cells to metabolise energy, and keeps nerves healthy (along with many other benefits). Lastly, there are benefits of taking B12 as a supplement to ensure you're getting the right levels in your day-to-day life.