Lebanon today
Benefits of vitamin B12
Benefits of Vitamin B12: It is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in human health, especially with regard to brain and heart functions.
Despite its great benefits, its excessive amount in the body may have serious health effects, especially on the liver and kidneys, and its use is prohibited in certain medical conditions.
New scientific discovery: B12 relieves pancreatitis
In a recent scientific development, a team of Chinese and Swedish researchers revealed promising results regarding the ability of vitamin B12 to reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis, a serious disease that causes millions to be hospitalized annually, and the death rate in severe cases reaches 20%.
Researchers from Sichuan University in China and Linkoping University in Sweden found that the presence of high levels of vitamin B12 in the blood is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of developing this type of inflammation, which opens new horizons for its use as a preventive and perhaps therapeutic element in the future.
The role of B12 in protecting the heart and arteries
Aside from its effect on the pancreas, vitamin B12 has important benefits for heart health, as it contributes to the prevention of coronary artery disease and is used in treating cases of atherosclerosis.
It also plays a role in protecting against heart attacks and strokes, by contributing to raising the level of beneficial cholesterol in the body, which improves blood flow and reduces fat deposition in the arteries.
In addition to the benefits of vitamin B12, there are medical warnings against its indiscriminate use
Despite these benefits, indiscriminate use of vitamin B12 may lead to serious complications, especially in some groups of patients. Doctors warn against giving it in specific cases such as:
- Optic neuropathy: High B12 levels may worsen symptoms.
- Increased red blood cellsBecause the vitamin participates in the formation of blood cells, it may increase hyperviscosity.
- Gout: It can cause disturbances in uric acid levels in the body.
- Liver disease: As the excess vitamin is stored in the liver, which imposes a burden on it.
- Kidney disease: The kidneys are responsible for excreting excess vitamins, which makes excess a threat to their functions.
According to specialists, uncontrolled intake of B12 may lead to liver disorders or increase the risk of chronic infections, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin deficiency is no less dangerous
On the other hand, vitamin B12 deficiency in the body has significant health consequences. It is one of the most common deficiency cases, especially among the elderly and vegetarians, and leads to a group of symptoms that include:
- Numbness and numbness in the extremities: Due to peripheral nerves being affected.
- Difficulty concentratingDue to its direct effect on brain functions.
- Fatigue and lethargy: B12 is involved in energy production within cells.
- Muscle weakness: What weakens physical ability.
- Severe anemiaIts deficiency leads to a decrease in the production of red blood cells.
- Accelerated heartbeat: As a response by the body to try to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
- Nerve problems: In the long term, it may cause irreversible damage to the nervous system.
Groups most vulnerable to B12 deficiency
There are certain groups that are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency, including:
- Vegetarians: As the vitamin is found mainly in animal sources.
- the elderly: Due to poor absorption of the vitamin with age.
- Gastrointestinal patients: Such as those who suffer from chronic infections or have undergone stomach or intestine resection.
- Pregnant womenDuring pregnancy, the body needs larger amounts of nutrients.
The ideal dose…and a necessary balance – the benefits of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that the body is able to get rid of the excess through urine, but that does not mean that increasing it is always safe.
Repeatedly taking high doses, especially via injections or supplements, may cause it to accumulate in the liver, posing a risk to its long-term function.
Doctors always advise not to take any nutritional supplement without medical advice, and to perform a periodic analysis to measure the level of B12 in the blood, especially for those who suffer from symptoms related to its deficiency or follow a diet that may cause a deficiency of it.
Is it possible to rely on food only?
The ideal way to maintain normal levels of B12 is to eat a balanced diet that contains its natural sources, such as:
- Liver and red meat
- Eggs and dairy products
- Fish such as salmon and tuna
- Oysters and crab
But in certain cases, such as poor absorption or the presence of chronic diseases, food may not be sufficient, which requires resorting to supplements under medical supervision.
Benefits of vitamin B12
Despite the many health benefits that vitamin B12 provides for the health of the heart, brain, and nervous system, taking it randomly or excessively without diagnosis and medical follow-up may lead to serious complications, especially for patients with liver, kidney, and some other medical conditions.
Balance is key, and any decision to take supplements should be based on laboratory testing and careful medical advice.
