When you are feeling sluggish and slow, what do you do? Many people turn to caffeine in the form of teas, coffees, and energy drinks. These methods may provide temporary relief, but if you feel tired because of a B12 deficiency, caffeine won’t solve the underlying concern. Lack of energy due to a B12 deficiency is more common than you think. Nearly 40 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin B12.
Since this B vitamin plays a part in the production of red blood cells, nerve sheaths, and DNA, you’ll benefit from more than just improved energy levels. Many people have returned their B12 levels to normal after being deficient for years. They report feeling more energized and mentally sharp. If you’ve ever considered taking a B12 supplement to improve your thinking or wellness, then read on.
How B12 Supports Energy
The most common side effect of a B12 deficiency is a persistent lack of energy. Not having the energy to do the things you want can seriously affect your mental and physical well-being, and, compounded over time, may lead to more serious health concerns. B12 works at a cellular level to address the cause of energy loss and will aid your body in regulating long-lasting, healthy energy levels.
There are several ways B12 supports how energetic you feel. B12 aids in the formation of the hemoglobin inside red blood cells. These hemoglobin molecules transport oxygen from your lungs to all of the cells in your body, including your muscles, brain, and lungs. Without enough B12, hemoglobin production ramps down and everything in your body struggles to run with less available oxygen, which accounts for many of those feelings of fatigue and tiredness. In some cases, a lack of B12 can even contribute to pernicious and macrocytic anemia, where the body is not able to make enough red blood cells or your red blood cells have a low hemoglobin concentration. Even before anemia, lack of B12 impairs muscle capacity and exercise performance.
B-12 also regulates energy by helping metabolize food. When you eat food, your body must break it down into usable energy forms. B12 plays a vital role in metabolizing the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates you consume into energy that your body can then use. Without the right amount of B12, some of these fats and proteins may go unused and will only pass through your system.
If you contend with low energy or a slow metabolism because of a B12 deficiency, there is hope. You simply need to take in more vitamin B12. Speak with your healthcare provider to rule out harmful organism overgrowth, poor digestion, or other issues that may hinder B12 absorption.