Increases energy levels: Vitamin B12 helps transport oxygen in the blood, nourishes cells, and converts carbohydrates from food into glucose, which our body uses as a source of energy.
Prevents anemia: Because vitamin B12 helps produce red blood cells, the risk of this problem is lower. However, when vitamin B12 levels are low, the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to vital organs. This causes symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.
Protects the heart from cardiovascular disease: Vitamin B12 lowers levels of homocysteine, a protein that damages arteries, increases the risk of heart attack, and can lead to atherosclerosis.
Protects vision: This benefit also plays a role in regulating homocysteine levels in the blood. Vitamin B12 supplementation therefore helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision. An American study of 5,000 women over 40 who took vitamin B12 supplements for seven years found that their risk of developing any form of the disease was reduced by 34%, compared to the placebo group, which saw no such improvement.