Three key benefits of vitamin B12

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to make sure you are getting enough nutrients, such as vitamin B12, into your body every day.

A vitamin B12 deficiency affects our ability to produce fully functioning red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.

According to Dr. Naomi Newman-Beinart (PhD), some of the key signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mouth ulcers, pins and needles in hands and feet, low mood, and weakness.

Many people struggle to get their recommended daily allowance of B12 for a number of reasons, such as eating a poor or limited diet.

Here, the health expert explains why you should eat a varied and balanced diet and get enough B12 every day.

Reduces brain shrinking as you age

Research has found that certain B vitamins, including B12, may reduce the rate at which our brains shrink as we get older.

"Researchers have found that the size of your brain may shrink when you become B12 deficient, which might explain why people's cognitive abilities are affected due to B12 deficiency," Dr. Newman-Beinart says.

"Shrinking of the brain is part of the natural process of ageing, however, the rate of shrinkage is faster in people over 70 with mild memory problems, and even faster in people with Alzheimer's Disease."

Supports mental wellbeing

If you have low levels of B12, you could be at risk of mental health problems.

"Vitamin B12 is necessary to produce serotonin and dopamine, which are the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters," Dr. Newman-Beinart explains. "Researchers have found that people with low levels of B12 are more likely to struggle with depression than people with normal levels of B12, which is really interesting information to be aware of, as according to Mental Health UK, almost 20% of people over 16 in the UK show signs of depression or anxiety."

Fights fatigue

If you find yourself feeling more tired than usual, you could have a B12 deficiency.

"By ensuring you have enough B12 you can make a big difference to how you feel, your energy levels and your overall well-being," the expert states. "This vitamin also helps to convert your food into energy by breaking down the glucose from carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy source of all of our cells."

Dr Newman-Beinart recommends BetterYou Vitamin B12 Oral Spray for those who find it harder to get enough B12 in their diet, such as vegetarians and vegans.