About Vitamin B12 for Weight Loss

Vitamin B12 supplements are widely used for weight loss and the prevention of additional weight gain. Many people claim increasing Vitamin B12 intake to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve metabolism. However, recent studies have uncovered mixed effects of Vitamin B12. This article outlines a comprehensive review on how these Essential “B” Vitamins could potentially support weight reduction.

What is a Vitamin B12 and/or Folate Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 and Folate (also called “Folic Acid” or “Vitamin B9”) are 2 different vitamins that your body needs to function. A “Vitamin Deficiency” means that your body does not have as much of something it needs to meet basic daily requirements.

People can have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Folate Deficiency, or both.

Vitamin B12 helps to convert the nutrients in our meals into sugar and other forms of energy that help the body work at an optimal level. It can also help in the process of maintaining healthy nerve cells. Because of its capacity to increase metabolism and provide long-lasting energy, Vitamin B12 is frequently connected with weight loss.

Vitamin B12 helps your body break down carbohydrates, protein, and fat. If your body is lacking this essential nutrient, your weight loss efforts can be harder to reach due to a decrease in energy and motivation making it difficult to adopt a healthy lifestyle and lose weight.

Why are Vitamin B12 and Folate Important?

Your body needs Vitamin B12 and many other dietary supplements for a variety of resons. For example, you need Vitamin B12 to make new blood cells (such as red blood cells) and for your nervous system to work normally.

Something to keep in mind when shopping for vitamins is that several health food stores that sell over-the-counter vitamin supplements in supplemental pill form do not always work well for individuals that have difficulty and complications absorbing nutrients in a way other than eating food directly. Local wellness centers or mobile services such as Fluid Health & Wellness provide a safe, convenient, effective and quick way to help patients with a natural vitamin B12 and/or Folate Deficiency.

Folate is necessary for the body to make new cells. Folate is especially important for those who are planning to get pregnant and is highly recommended to take throughout each pregnancy. The reason is because folate is necessary for a baby to develop normally, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Folate is needed for the spinal cord to develop correctly.

Who Can One Become Deficient in Vitamin B12 and/or Folate?

• Those that don’t eat enough foods that have or are enriched with such vitamins– Folate is added to many grains and cereals, so most people get enough if they eat such foods. People who eat a vegetarian diet, especially strict vegans, need to take extra Vitamin B12. (Vitamin B12 is found in meats and animal products like eggs.)
• Those that eat foods with Vitamin B12 and Folate, but their body is unable to absorb or use the vitamins correctly– These things can happen with certain medical problems such as pernicious anemia, after weight loss surgery, or as a side effect of certain medicines. This is more common in the case of Vitamin B12.
• Those that have a condition that makes them need extra Folate – Examples include certain types of anemia and skin diseases.

Where are the Symptoms of Vitamin B12 and/or Folate Deficiency Found?

A low blood count can affect one or more of the following:

• Red blood cells – Doctors use the term “anemia” when a person has too few red blood cells. Anemia can cause headaches or trouble breathing, especially with exercise. It can also make you feel tired or weak.
• White blood cells – A low white blood cell count can increase your risk of infection.
• Platelets – A low platelet count might increase your risk of bleeding.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency can also cause other symptoms related to the brain and nerves. They include:
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Trouble walking
  • Mood changes
  • Memory problems or trouble thinking clearly

When Do You Know There is a Possible Vitamin B12 and/or Folate Depletion?

A deficiency of Vitamin B12, Folate, or Both can cause low blood counts. Your doctor can check this by doing a blood test. Usually findings are due to when one feels symptoms like fatigue or head aches that cause concern enough to make an appointment with a doctor and ask questions that can lead to a recommendation of a blood work up lab order. Sometimes, basic yearly labs that are done during a physical can show findings in reports and deficiencies will be discussed with patient at follow appointment.

How are Vitamins Administered?

When determining that your body has depleted Vitamin B12 results you need to find ways you can improve your B12 levels. Several commonly used regimens are listed below. 

• The methods use high-level injections and a concentrated dose hypodermic injection. These are particularly rapid ways to get the vitamin directly into the bloodstream and are commonly used to combat megaloblastic anemia.
• Fluid Health & Wellness is qualified to administer Vitamin B12 injections for patients. We will review your medical history, help you to understand the risks and indications of vitamin B12 deficiency, and share advice for prevention.

In Conclusion: Vitamin B12 is usually associated with blood health. Folate helps your body to make new blood cells and develop the spine while a baby is in uetero. It is important to remember that these nutrients are essential to optimal health. B12 plays a role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 helps your body break down food and create energy, both of which are key factors in achieving healthy weight loss goals. If you’re struggling to lose weight, make sure you are getting blood work done to check your B12 levels as there is a correlation between B12 levels and energy levels which are needed to help live an active lifestyle.

We at Fluid Health Wellness Can Help You by Providing Support that will aid in your effort to Feeling Better and Stronger by Meeting the Essential Vitamin B12 & Folate Needs Your Body Requires!  We are looking forward to hearing from you so that we can help you regain energy and decrease your symptoms due to B12 and/or Folate Deficiency soon. Please contact us at 386.222.3136 if you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to help you find solutions and book you an appointment on our schedule ASAP so your body is working more efficiently sooner rather than later or not at all. We do our best to help you feel your best!