How Long Does It Take for Vitamin B12 to Work? + Reviews

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Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that plays an instrumental role in our bodies. Red blood cell formation, nerve function, and a healthy nervous system depend on this water-soluble vitamin.

In this article, we will go through everything there is to know about Vitamin B12, and most importantly, how long it takes to experience its effects. We’ll also review some popular supplements and their impact on overall well-being.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an important element that you need to function properly. It is primarily responsible for producing healthy red blood cells and supporting nerve cells in the nervous system. 

This vitamin also helps break down amino acids (protein’s building blocks). Without adequate levels of vitamin B12, the body may not be able to properly utilize these amino acids, leading to potential health issues.

You can get your Vitamin B12 from animal products (consider fish, meat, eggs, poultry, and other similar sources). Hence, people that follow a plant-based diet have a difficult time getting their dose of B12. 

The Benefits of Vitamin B12

1. Increased Energy Levels. It supports energy production, which can result in less fatigue.
2. Healthy Red Blood Cells. That’s because this vitamin helps you carry oxygen throughout the body, thus helping you create new red blood cells too.
3. Nervous System Support. Vitamin B12 supports nerve function and can have a positive impact on mental health. This vitamin is crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (in the central nervous system).
4. Healthy Immune System. Vitamin B12 protects against diseases and illnesses.
5. Heart Health. Adequate vitamin B12 levels can help reduce elevated homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
6. Hair and Skin Health. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining your aesthetics too. Think of healthier hair, skin, and nails–all possible with adequate levels of B12. 
7. Mood Regulation. Vitamin B12 is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. This can help alleviate mood disorders and improve mental health.
8. Energy Metabolism. This vitamin helps turn food into energy, crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle.
9. Support During Pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to maintain sufficient B12 levels to support fetal growth and prevent developmental issues
10. Cognitive Health. Without Vitamin B12, you can experience memory loss, especially once you reach senior age. The lack of it is also linked to decreased cognitive performance. 

The Importance of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid for Healthy Red Blood Cells & the Nervous System

In a nutshell, Vitamin B12 maintains healthy red blood cells. That’s because it plays a crucial role in carrying oxygen.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 play important roles in our bodies. They are related in a biological sense because they are involved in the metabolism of certain compounds. They also support each other’s functions.

Adequate levels of Vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for overall health and well-being.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Its Impact

A Deficiency in Vitamin B12 comes with health issues. Some symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Fatigue
• Nerve damage
• Pale skin
• Difficulty concentrating
• Neurological symptoms (memory loss)
• Numbness
• Severe deficiency can cause pernicious anemia (the body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells)

Vitamin B12 absorption requires an intrinsic factor. This odd-named element is a protein present in the stomach lining.

Intrinsic factor sticks to Vitamin B12. This helps this element get absorbed into the body. Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. chronic gastritis) or low acid have a harder time absorbing Vitamin B12. This often leads to vitamin deficiency.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12

You will find Vitamin B12 in animal foods. Common dietary sources of B12 include:

• Poultry
• Meat (beef, lamb, pork)
• Fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Eggs

For individuals with dietary restrictions or difficulties obtaining B12 from food sources, hear us out! Fortified foods and oral supplements (like multivitamins) are great alternatives. We’ll explore them in a minute.

How Long Does It Take for Vitamin B12 to Work?

When taking oral supplements, you can start experiencing their benefits within a few weeks of consistent use. Still, just like with everything else, individual responses will vary depending on several factors.

The impact of this oral supplement can vary based on lifestyle factors, dosage, whether you have Vitamin B12 deficiency or not, and so on.

How Does a Vitamin B12 Shot Work?

A vitamin B12 shot works by directly delivering a concentrated dose of vitamin B12 into the body. This happens through an intramuscular injection.

This method bypasses the digestive system, allowing the vitamin to be immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. It typically takes between 24-72 hours.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin

With numerous multivitamin supplements available, finding the best one for you can be tricky.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a multivitamin:

• Identify Your Needs: Determine what specific health goals you want to support, whether it’s energy boost, joint health, or weight loss.
• Check the Ingredients: Look for a multivitamin that includes vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients in appropriate amounts for your age group.
• Read Customer Reviews: Learn from the experiences of others who have used the product to gauge its effectiveness and safety.
• Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Underlying health conditions and medications may interfere. Seek advice before taking any supplements.

Reviews of the Top Vitamin B12 Supplements

1. MuscleTech Platinum Advanced Multivitamin Supplement

MuscleTech Platinum offers a comprehensive multivitamin supplement that includes 100 mcg of Vitamin B12 and 300 mcg of folic acid per serving. This supplement supports red blood cell formation, nerve function, and overall health. If you’re looking for a high-potency multivitamin, this is it.

2. Vitafusion MultiVites Gummy Multivitamin Supplement

Vitafusion MultiVites are tasty gummy multivitamins that provide 12 mcg of Vitamin B12 per serving. These gummies are a popular way to add more vitamins to your diet. Multivitamins that contain other essential minerals can also promote other functions and help you achieve better health.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body will absorb from an omnivore diet (containing animal foods). You can also get it from high-quality supplements and multivitamins.

B12 promotes red blood cell formation, nerve function, and overall health. Hence, not getting enough of it can lead to various health issues. Adequate levels can promote energy, immune system health, and overall well-being.

If you suspect a Vitamin B12 deficiency, ask for a blood test and get a proper diagnosis.

Recommendations From USA Home Gym

Finding the right multivitamin supplement that suits your specific health needs and goals is crucial.

Here are the recommended daily intake levels of Vitamin B12:

• 2.4 micrograms (mcg) per day (applies to both men and women aged 14 years and up).
• However, during pregnancy and lactation, the recommended daily intake increases to 2.6 mcg and 2.8 mcg respectively.

It’s essential to remember that multivitamins are only supplementing a balanced diet.

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