Vitamin B12, known scientifically as cobalamin, is an essential, water-soluble nutrient that is part of a larger complex of eight B vitamins.

A general explanation of what vitamin B12 does is help regulate the nervous system and create blood cells. Because of its important duties, even a slight deficiency cause cognitive decline such as memory lapses.

If you are wondering what does vitamin B12 do exactly, then wonder no more.

Functions of B12

As mentioned above, vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining the nervous system. This includes the functioning of the brain. Without sufficient amounts of B12, the brain will function at a less-than-optimal level. For this reason, many people take B12 supplements to stay alert and focused.

Vitamin B12 also plays a role in the circulatory system as it is a crucial element needed for the formation of new blood cells. B12 is needed to metabolize each cell in the human body, which includes DNA as well. Acids such as amino acid and fatty acids also need vitamin B12 to be absorbed properly.

Since vitamin B12 plays many roles, including increasing metabolism, more and more people are including lipotropic B12 injections as part of a healthy weight loss plan. Lipotropic injections contain amino acids in addition to vitamin B12. When combined these elements greatly stimulate the metabolism which is a boon to weight loss efforts. Weight loss and better concentration are just a few benefits of B12 shots.

Absorption of B12

Absorption of vitamin B12 in the body is a complicated process. For the body to take in and make use of incoming vitamin B12, the stomach, pancreas, and bowels must be in good working order.

Your intrinsic factor (a measure of glycoproteins in your stomach) must also be sufficient to bind to incoming vitamin B12 molecules to allow for absorption in the lower intestine later on.

Vitamin B12 has a relatively low absorption rate when it is passed through the intestinal tract.

In the average adult, the recommended limit per dose of vitamin B12 is 1.5 micrograms (µg). However, different people absorb B12 differently so it may take 5 or 50 micrograms of vitamin B12 administered orally to have the same effect.

B12 Storage

Though vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it does lend itself well to long-term storage. The average adult stores between two and five micrograms of vitamin B12–half of which is typically kept in the liver.

Roughly 0.1% of the amount stored in the liver is lost daily via secretions into the intestinal tract. Excess B12–beyond the body’s capacity to store–is expelled in urine. As such, it is nearly impossible to overdose on vitamin B12.

Since circulation of vitamin B12 once it is stored in the liver is difficult, most people build up a supply fit to last several years. True deficiencies are not uncommon, especially among vulnerable populations such as vegetarians, infants, and the elderly.

Sources of B12

Vitamin B12 is naturally created by bacteria that reside in or on living beings. Most animal-derived products are rich in vitamin B12, so people who eat a diet rich in animal products (especially eggs, liver, and fish) likely do not need to worry about their vitamin B12 levels.

However some people, particularly those who have absorption issues or choose to abstain from eating animal products, must consider alternate sources of vitamin B12.

Another population that benefits from vitamin B12 injections is weight loss hopefuls. Vitamin B12 helps aid weight loss efforts in a variety of ways.

Our online store has a wide variety of B12 injections for sale. We sell supplements individually or as a combo with other nutrients.

What vitamin B12 does for the body is beyond useful; it is a necessity. If you are not sure if you are getting enough vitamin B12 from food alone or if you want to supplement a balanced diet, consider our vitamin B12 injections.