What is the deal with Vitamin B12? 

Can you benefit from B12?

It is estimated that 36.5% of adults are overweight and one in three Americans are obese. Being overweight increases your risk for many health conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, so taking a good look at your diet, exercise plan, and implementing changes now can actually prevent those diseases from occurring! Can taking B12 help?

Prevention is the key!

One of the issues I see is that most diet plans, especially those powders or shakes that help you loose weight are not the healthiest. They often lack key vitamins and minerals that your body needs (and most diets are NOT a long term solution to lasting weight loss).

It was found in a recent study published in the Journal Nutrients that even the Atkins (high fat, low-carb) lacked vitamin A, E, B6, and magnesium and even Balanced Nutrient Reduction diets like Weight Watchers did not have adequate intake of B12, fiber, and other micronutrients (Engel, 2018). Even those who choose to go on a vegetarian and vegan diet to be “healthier” are not getting enough protein and are lacking key vitamins and minerals in their diet.

There is definitely a right and wrong way to approach going vegan and working with either a naturopathic doctor or nutritionist is key when initially starting as Vitamin B12 is a common deficiency found in vegetarians and vegans.

Why is B12 so important?

Vitamin B12 is often low in people who do not consume adequate animal protein, those with malabsorptive disorders like Celiac/Crohn’s/leaky gut or those on PPI’s for the treatment of heartburn. Vitamin B12 (and other B vitamins) play key roles in the energy production in your cells. With 50% of Americans being B12 deficiency or having sub-optimal levels, it can have a huge impact on energy levels and the bodies ability to metabolize. Vitamin B12 can help to improve mood and energy, regulate sleep, helps cardiovascular system, and boosts the immune system. Adding B12 injections to acupuncture treatments may help give your body the fuel it needs to help spark weight loss.

To have success long term from any new dietary change, you need to make sure you are getting adequate minerals and vitamins in your diet. If not you run the risk of having a deficiency, which can lead to other health issues, and hampering your weight loss goals. Remember the long-term journey is the most important part so making the right changes now can dramatically enhance the success of those changes and how you feel along the way.

To learn more about vitamin and therapeutic injections and to see if it is right for you. Give Dr. Heintze a call today at (425) 686-4498 to schedule an initial consultation.

Sources:

Engel, M. e. (2018). Micronutrient Gaps in Three Commercial Weight-Loss Diet Plans. Nutrients , 10 (1), 108.

Uptodate.com