Six surprising reasons to take vitamin B12

Feeling sluggish? Lacking energy? It could be a sign to get some more vitamin B12.

In a world where health-conscious individuals are constantly seeking ways to support their wellbeing, the importance of vitamins such as B12 cannot be overstated.

People adhering to a strict vegan lifestyle are even more at risk, with studies[1] suggesting that more vitamin B12 is needed among the vegetarian and vegan populations.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a role in maintaining overall health. It is used for a range of bodily functions, including maintaining energy production and a supporting a healthy immune system.

Here are six surprising signs your B12 might need a boost.

You’ve got low energy

Low energy[2] is a common reason people take B12 supplements.

This happens because B12 is used for the production of red blood cells[3], which carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.

A 2020 study published in the journal Nutrients found that individuals with low B12 levels were more likely to experience low energy and fatigue[4] .

You seem foggy

Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system function[5] by assisting in the formation of myelin, a protective sheath around nerve cells, enhancing nerve signal transmission.

You look a bit more pale

Your body wants B12 so it can produce red blood cells to look less pale[6].

You feel sluggish

Vitamin B12 supports protein synthesis[7] and protein synthesis supports muscle function, immune function, and other processes, contributing to overall health and wellbeing.

Your vitamin metabolism is slow

Vitamin B12 supports metabolism of vitamin b12[8] by playing a key role in the conversion of food into energy.

Your immunity needs support

Vitamin B12 plays a role in the immune system’s function and supports your body’s immune health[9].

If you need a boost

If you suspect you may want more vitamin B12, Go Healthy GO ACTIVATED B12 is a convenient, high-strength, 1-A-Day formulation to support energy production and nervous system function.

It contains the activated form of Vitamin B12, co-methylcobalamin, to assist healthy red blood cell production, support energy production and maintain nervous system function.

For those following a plant-based lifestyle, it is vegan friendly and comes in natural strawberry or vanilla flavours.

This article is brought to you by Go Healthy GO Activated Vitamin B12. Dietary supplements can only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate. Always read the label and follow the direction for use.

[1] Niklewicz A et al, 2023, The importance of vitamin B12 for individuals choosing plant-based diets, Eur J Nutr, Vol. 62, pp. 1551-1559. Retrieved November 2023 via https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36469110/ 

[2] O’Leary F, Samman s, 2010, Nutrients, Mar;2(3):299-316. Retrieved November 2023 via https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22254022/

[3] Langan RC, Goodbred AJ. Am Fam Physician, 2017, Sep 15;96(6):384-389. Retrieved November 2023 via https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28925645/

[4] Tardy AL et al, 2020, Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence, Nutrients, Jan 16;12(1):228. Retrieved November 2023  via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/

[5] Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO, 2020, B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin, CNS Neurosci Ther, Jan;26(1):5-13. Retrieved November 2023 via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930825/

[6] National Heart Lung and Blood Institude. Retrieved November 2023 via https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia

[7] Allen LH, 2012, Vitamin B-12. Adv Nutr, Jan;3(1):54-5. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001370. Retrieved November 2023 via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262614/

[8] Vitamin B12, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved November 2023 via https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/

[9] Batista KS et al. Nutr Rev, 2022, Feb 10;80(3):561-578. Retrieved November 2023 via https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34791425/