HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Health Benefits Of Taking Vitamin B12 Supplements?

default
Posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2017
Question: What does B12 do for your body? I have no energy or strength. Until a month ago I was receiving B12 injections.

thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
fatigue-- your so called "no energy" symptom

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXX, you put a common but good question. I will try to explain.
B12 is a vitamin needed for every cell in our body especially blood cells, nerve cells and brain cells. it plays a key role in the construction of DNA which is the life of every cell. Deficiency of B12 will lead to highly inactive and dull cell metabolism. the symptoms vary depending on which cells are struggling most.
Disturbance in red cell production leads to anemia, resulting in fatigue-- your so called "no energy" symptom. As B12 is exclusively found in non vegetarian diet, vegans often go deficient. Alcohol, some diabetic drugs and gut problems can also cause defective B12 absorption.
If B12 injections are helping, it implies you are deficient and hence can continue to take them. you may also be benefited by oral tablets of methyl-cobalamine. Meanwhile, it is also important to find out what is causing the deficiency. Some tests will help which will be ordered by your doctor if he feels necessary.
Hope this helps. please revert back if you have any questions. thank you.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaddadi Suresh

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 963 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Health Benefits Of Taking Vitamin B12 Supplements?

Brief Answer: fatigue-- your so called "no energy" symptom Detailed Answer: Hi Mrs XXXX, you put a common but good question. I will try to explain. B12 is a vitamin needed for every cell in our body especially blood cells, nerve cells and brain cells. it plays a key role in the construction of DNA which is the life of every cell. Deficiency of B12 will lead to highly inactive and dull cell metabolism. the symptoms vary depending on which cells are struggling most. Disturbance in red cell production leads to anemia, resulting in fatigue-- your so called "no energy" symptom. As B12 is exclusively found in non vegetarian diet, vegans often go deficient. Alcohol, some diabetic drugs and gut problems can also cause defective B12 absorption. If B12 injections are helping, it implies you are deficient and hence can continue to take them. you may also be benefited by oral tablets of methyl-cobalamine. Meanwhile, it is also important to find out what is causing the deficiency. Some tests will help which will be ordered by your doctor if he feels necessary. Hope this helps. please revert back if you have any questions. thank you.