Alkaline Plant Based Diet » Vitamin Benefits » Vitamin B12 Benefits

Vitamin B12 Benefits

By Aqiyl Aniys | September 13th, 2012 | Modified - September 13th, 2012

B12 Benefits

It is very important to understand what the B12 benefits are and how the lack of vitamin B12 in the diet can effect one’s health.

B12 benefits are numerous and are critically important for maintaining healthy living. Vitamin B12, which is also called cobalamin because it contains the trace element cobalt, is indirectly involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body.

Metabolism is the chemical transformations within the cells that allows cells to grow, reproduce, and respond to their environments. The body derives energy and nutrients from food to fuel this process.

B12 Benefits: Energy For Metabolism

Vitamin B12 is needed to breakdown carbohydrates and fats to provide energy for these chemical transformations. B12 deficiency can lead to disruptions in the normal growth and reproduction of cells.

B12 Benefits: Aids Development Of New Cells

Vitamin B12 supports the replication of DNA and when vitamin B12 is deficient we can’t generate new healthy cells properly. The inability to generate healthy new cells can result in vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms that can mimic the effects of aging.

B12 Benefits: New Red Blood Cells

Are there more B12 benefits? You bet there are! The body needs vitamin B12, along with iron and folate to produce hemoglobin and new red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia and result in a shortness of breath and a lack of energy.

B12 Benefits: Protects the Nervous System

Another one of B12 benefits is that it helps protects the nervous system. Vitamin B12 plays an essential role is chemical reactions that are vitally important in the maintenance of the myelin coating that protects the spinal, cranial and peripheral nerves.

Myelin provides cushioning and protection for the nerves, which allows for proper nerve-impulse transmission. The erosion of this protective myelin coating can result in neurological problems and damage to the spinal cord.

I hope you don’t need more B12 benefits to understand how important it is to make sure you are getting enough vitamin B12.

References:
Genetic disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism
Vitamin B12
Myelin Production

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About Author: Aqiyl Aniys

Aqiyl Aniys is the author of the book Alkaline Herbal Medicine, the Alkaline Plant Based Diet book, and the children's book, Faith and Justice eat an Alkaline Plant Based Diet." He received a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, a BA in Organizational Behavior and Communications from NYU, worked as an elementary school teacher, and studied social work. He enjoys boxing, kick boxing, cycling, power walking, and basically anything challenging, and his alkaline plant-based diet supports all that he does. Learn more about transitioning to avegan diet using the Dr. Sebi nutritional guide.