- Updated on March 13th, 2023,
- Written by Shilpi Singh,
- Reviewed by (Elbestor Team)
In the modern world, overweight and obese population are on the rapid rise. Having excess body weight is an ordinary complaint of most people nowadays. If body weight is not maintained within the ideal normal range, over time people can suffer from health complications such as diabetes, heart problems, orthopedic issues, and many more. As people are becoming more aware of such health complications, they are keen on maintaining healthy body weight by shedding their extra pounds with numerous diets and exercise regimes. Additionally, they also try out other options that may aid in their weight loss such as acupressure, acupuncture, slimming creams, hypnotherapy, weight loss pills, massage therapies, dietary supplements, and more. But among all, having a healthy diet daily and routine physical activity are of prime importance. [1]
While following a weight loss diet plan, it’s essential to understand the role of every nutrient taking part in the weight loss journey. Various researchers have found that minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium and vitamins like Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, and Vitamin can aid in weight loss. Recent research studies have shown Vitamin B12 to have some link with obesity. Primarily, that’s because Vitamin B12 functions in the body to improve metabolism and have a role in energy provision and others. However, most people are still confused about whether Vitamin B12 can really have an association with weight loss. Continue reading to get an answer to this million-dollar question: Will Vitamin B12 help me lose weight? But before jumping to that, let’s understand what Vitamin B12 is. [1]
Contents
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 (or Cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in many foodstuffs. As it is water-soluble, it can easily get absorbed by the body and does not require special delivery methods. It plays a vital role in supporting many bodily functions such as erythrocyte (RBC) formation, nerve functioning, DNA synthesis, as well as cellular metabolism. Moreover, it is even involved in the breakdown of the protein homocysteine whose large amounts can increase the risk of heart disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, low energy or fatigue, nerve dysfunction, and also mental health issues. Therefore, every doctor, dietician, and health or nutrition expert recommends everyone to daily take an adequate amount of Vitamin B12 as allowed for their age group. [1, 2, 3]
The Relationship Between Vitamin B12 and Weight Loss
Some studies have showcased the positive impact of Vitamin B12 on body fat and weight. In terms of weight loss, Vitamin B12 targets different processes in an either indirect or direct way. For example, it can help increase the energy levels of individuals who lack Vitamin B12 and are experiencing greater stress levels and lack of energy. By taking enough Vitamin B12, they can better stick to a weight-loss program by doing physical activities and exercises for longer periods with effective results.
The most straightforward way by which the body uses Vitamin B12 for weight loss is by boosting the body’s metabolism. High (or fast) metabolism means quick burning of calories both at rest and during physical activity.
As per research studies, Vitamin B12 is found to be crucial in activating succinyl-CoA which is an essential part of Kreb’s cycle- a cellular process involving energy production during aerobic respiration. When Kreb’s cycle is properly functioning, there will be fewer fat reserves left over in the body as they are being utilized for energy, so there will be no fat gain. It is also suggested that Vitamin B12 can aid in the metabolism of fatty acids and proteins.
Everyone varies in the way their bodies manage cellular metabolism. Generally, metabolism slows down with age, which is why older people face difficulty in losing weight as compared to younger adults. Also, some people who are deeply indulged in their weight-loss journey and have put great efforts into dieting and exercising might have reached a plateau stage of weight loss and soon yield diminishing returns. In such people, the body’s metabolism may have slowed down already, and losing weight may feel next to impossible. In both of these cases, Vitamin B12 can be of great benefit. It could be an effective approach to encourage the fat-burning capacity of the body. [1, 3]
Where can I get Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is present in many natural food sources, especially those that are of animal origin and protein-rich, like eggs, fish, and shellfish. Some others include oysters, yogurt, fortified breakfast cereals, fortified nutritional yeasts, trout, salmon, organ meats like liver and kidney meats, clams, shrimp, beef, and chicken. However, if you are on a low-calorie diet you need to watch out for such animal-based foods. As most of the foods loaded with Vitamin B12 are animal-sourced, therefore vegans and vegetarians may require dietary supplements to fulfill their body’s Vitamin B12 requirements. The same goes for those who are on a low-calorie diet.
There is no need for you to consume a lot of food to meet your daily nutrient requirement. It’s still possible to do with pills, capsules, or injections filled with Vitamin B12. There are lot many legitimate health and wellness stores that offer good-quality Vitamin B12 supplements at affordable rates. Even though these can be purchased over-the-counter, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider who could guide you in the right direction about the best form of Vitamin B12 to take and the appropriate amount based on your weight-loss plan. Depending upon your age and body requirements, a healthcare professional can recommend you the best supplements and recommend the dosage.
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If aiming for weight loss with supplements along with a healthy diet and exercise regime, do try out these two VitaPost everyday health supplements:
Keto Trim- It is formulated with white kidney bean extract which is shown to act as a Phase 2 carb-controller- a great support for a low-carbohydrate lifestyle. It aids in weight loss by reducing the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches and helps with your keto journey.
Green Coffee Plus- It is formulated with green coffee bean extract that is known to be rich in beneficial antioxidants called chlorogenic acid that can fight free radicals and oxidative damage. [1, 3, 4, 5]
References:
- https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/does-vitamin-b12-promote-weight-loss/
- https://vitagene.com/blog/vitamin-b12-for-weight-loss/
- https://medicalweightlosscentersofamerica.com/will-vitamin-b12-help-me-lose-weight/
- https://www.ketotrim.co
- https://www.greencoffeeplus.co