Many of us seniors are taking B12 and some of us have been taking them for many years. A few years ago, while vacationing in Florida, I purchased the B12 vitamin at a drug store and after a few days, I started to feel light headed and sometimes unsteady while walking.
A few days earlier I had been shocked by a lighting bolt or startled by a loud clap of thunder. I had a piece of metal in my hands and it fell to the ground. We were working on trailers and for a few days I was afraid to walk on the roofs. I thought that this was the cause.
I decided to check the ingredients of the B12 I had purchased in Florida and noted that the main ingredient was cyanocobalamin. I checked my original bottle and found that I had been taking a B12 vitamin with methylcobalamin and there were no side effects.
I stopped taking the cyanocobalamin vitamin and purchased the methylcobalamin tablets. The side effects of dizziness stopped shortly after.
A friend of mine told me that he was taking B12 but was feeling tired and depressed. I asked him what the main ingredient was and he said cyanocobalamin. I related to him my experience and he switched to the B12 with methylcobalamin. A few weeks later I bumped into him at a store and he said that he had a lot more energy in the mornings and was feeling great except for his hips.
Now I am not in the medical field and the above is my experience with the main two ingredients in B12. Always consult with your doctor for any medical advice..
Below are listed some of the things that B12 does for your body.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays several important roles in the body:
- Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B12 is crucial for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in B12 can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
- Neurological Function: B12 is involved in the maintenance of the nervous system and the formation of myelin, a protective coating around nerves. A deficiency can lead to neurological problems such as numbness, tingling, and cognitive difficulties.
- DNA Synthesis: B12 is required for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in all cells. It is particularly important for rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract.
- Energy Production: B12 plays a role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, helping to convert food into energy. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness.
- Mood Regulation: Some studies suggest that B12 may play a role in mood regulation and may help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Since the body does not produce vitamin B12 on its own, it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements. Good food sources of B12 include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans may be at risk of B12 deficiency and may need to supplement or consume fortified foods to ensure an adequate intake.
In my opinion, check the B12 vitamin ingredients, if you find that you are having side effects