Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient needed for several body processes. Deficiency of Vitamin B12, or Methylcobalamin, is thought to be one of the most prevalent deficiencies in the Unites States as well as all over the world. A 2004 study shows that it is a major concern in health affecting people living in various nations including India, Mexico, Central and South America, certain areas in Africa, not to mention the rampant malnutrition in Africa, and the United States, despite all the food available in the market, still has a huge percentage of the population suffering it.
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin helps improve energy levels, mood, memory and brain function, heart health, skin texture, hair, digestion, metabolism, food absorption, and several other functions in the body. Methylcobalamin B12 is also necessary in order to reduce adrenal fatigue and improve metabolic functions that are in need of this nutrient. Enzyme production, DNA and RNA synthesis, as well as hormonal production, balance, and regulation are some of the body activities that require Vitamin B12. The nerves and the entire nervous system also need Methylcobalamin to function. Cardiovascular health is also affected by the presence and lack of Vitamin B 12.
Due to its importance in the body, the deficiency of Vitamin B 12 can manifest in several different forms and/or symptoms which may be noticeable. Some symptoms include chronic fatigue, mood disorder such as depression, chronic stress, acne, weakness, muscle pain, to name a few.
Although there are several food sources in the market that are vegan, organic, and basically healthy in our common knowledge, there are huge factors that affect the nutritional value of food, hence, supplementation is necessary.
Let us briefly discuss the benefits we can get out of Vitamin B12 Supplementation.
Vitamin B12 Improves Brain Health
Vitamin B12 helps address various neurologic and psychiatric problems due to its role in nerve health and neurotransmitter balance. Methylcobalamin helps lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This Vitamin also helps improve brain function and concentration. Deficiency of Methylcobalamin diminishes your ability to concentrate.
Regulates Energy Levels
Methylcobalamin impacts your energy levels due to its role in metabolism. Vitamin B12 is necessary for converting carbohydrates into usable glucose, which means that it can be used as a form of energy. People who have Vitamin B 12 deficiency oftentimes suffer chronic fatigue due to the inability to convert carbohydrates into usable energy. This nutrient also helps regulate the neurotransmitter synapse that helps muscles contract and gives you the needed energy and alertness throughout the day.
Improves Mood, Heart Health, and Skin
Vitamin B12 is prized for its ability to help regulate the nervous system and have such positive effect to those who suffer depression and anxiety. Vitamin B12 also helps protect heart health and reduces the risk to certain strokes, regulates blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This nutrient also helps maintain skin and hair. It benefits the skin by reducing acne and inflammation and helps reduce hair breakage.
What is the best way to Supplement Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is indeed a very beneficial nutrient. However, due to the depleted nutrients in soils, one must take into consideration the importance of supplementation. But if there are two ways to supplement, how then would you choose?
Vitamin B12 can be available as an Oral Supplement and as a Transdermal Patch. Let us delve into the benefits of each form of supplementation in order to distinguish which one is the best for you.
Vitamin B12 Oral Supplementation
Depending on the brand you choose, supplementation can help your health improve. As Methylcobalamin helps improve a lot of aspects in your health such as memory, cardiovascular health, nerve health, and metabolism, supplementation generally gives you the daily benefits needed to have Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin.
Vitamin B12 are available in oral forms via capsules or tablets.
Vitamin B12 Transdermal Patch Supplementation
Vitamin B12 is a new product developed by Pure Science Supplements as a new way of supplementing Methylcobalamin. The transdermal patch fosters direct transmission of active ingredients into the bloodstream and is better absorbed when taken along with other B Vitamins. The advantage of the transdermal patch is that it is no longer necessary to wait for the regular digestion and metabolic process for the Methylcobalamin to be absorbed in the body. Another good thing about the transdermal patch is that it contains Vitamin A Retinol, which is essential for vision and vitamin B which is vital for cognitive function and immune response. Pure Science Transdermal Patch is a convenient and modern way to supplement without ingestion.
Vitamin B12 Injections
Another way of supplementing vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin is through injections otherwise known as Vitamin B12 shots. These injections deliver a high dose therapeutic Vitamin B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. As a result of inherited genetic traits or stomach damage, the body may require more can be absorbed through other forms of supplementation. Vitamin B12 shots are given when a high dose is needed. Injections are the option where one can give a high dose to patients and in very rare cases, used as an energy booster, as Methylcobalamin plays a vital role in energy production at the cellular level. A grave deficiency of Vitamin B12 that results to depression, chronic fatigue, and inability to concentrate, may be addressed by Vitamin B12 shots. However, before getting the shot, you must consult a doctor and make sure it is administered by a medical professional. An appointment with the doctor will help check if you have allergies. The shot is often injected directly into the muscle, usually into the thigh or upper arm for easier and faster absorption into the bloodstream. Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin injections may have some side effects when it is given in excess. It may induce diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This is why making sure that you consult a professional is important before deciding to resort to Vitamin B12 shots.
Can we accurately conclude which is the best form of supplementation?
We may and we may not. Supplementation, whether oral or through a transdermal patch, are ways in which you supplement. The convenience and other vitamins that one or the other contains are but bonuses to the many benefits you can get out of the supplement. The Transdermal Patch can help improve absorption of other orally taken supplements and the oral supplements can also enhance the body’s nutrition. It is hardly an either-or case when it comes to health. It always boils down to what is best and if both supplements and ways of supplementation can work hand in hand in improving our health and well-being.
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References:
Center, G. (2016). Does the Vitamin B12 Shot Have Side Effects?. [online] Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Available at: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/vitamin-b12-shot-side-effects/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2016].
Dr. Axe. (2016). Vitamin B12 Benefits and Deficiency Symptoms - Dr. Axe. [online] Available at: https://draxe.com/vitamin-b12-benefits/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2016].
Center, G. (2016). What is Methylcobalamin?. [online] Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog. Available at: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/methylcobalamin-4-facts-everyone-know/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2016].