Benefits of vitamin B12 .. for the heart and brain, but increasing it is a danger to the liver and kidneys

May 22, 2025

Benefits of vitamin B12

Benefits of vitamin B12 is a basic nutrient that plays a pivotal role in human health, especially with regard to brain and heart functions.

Despite its great benefits, its excessive increase in the body may carry serious health effects, especially on the liver and kidneys, and it is also prohibited to use it in certain medical conditions.

New scientific discovery: B12 relieves pancreatitis

In a modern scientific development, a team of Chinese and Swedish researchers revealed promising results about the ability of vitamin B12 to reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis, a serious disease that causes millions to enter hospitals annually, and the death rate in severe cases reaches 20%.

Researchers from “Sichuan University” in China and “Linakoping University” in Sweden have concluded that the presence of high levels of vitamin B12 in the blood is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of this type of inflammation, which opens new horizons for its use as a preventive and possibly therapeutic element in the future.

The role of B12 in protecting the heart and arteries

Away from its effect on the pancreas, vitamin B12 carries important benefits for heart health, as it contributes to the prevention of coronary arteries and is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

It also plays a role in protecting from heart attacks and strokes, through its contribution to raising the level of beneficial cholesterol in the body, which improves blood flow and reduces the deposition of fat in the arteries.

In addition to the benefits of vitamin B12, medical warnings of its random use

Despite these benefits, the random use of vitamin B12 may lead to serious complications, especially in some groups of patients. Doctors warn against giving it in specific cases such as:

Optic nerve: The high levels of B12 may exacerbate the symptoms.
Increase red blood cellsBecause vitamin is involved in the formation of blood cells, and may increase the viscosity.
GoutIt can cause uric acid levels in the body.
Liver diseaseAs excess vitamin is stored in the liver, which imposes a burden on it.
Kidney diseaseThe kidneys are responsible for draining the excess of vitamin, which makes the increase a risk to its functions.

According to specialists, eating B12 in an unbearable manner may lead to liver disorders or increased risk of chronic infections, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitamin deficiency is no less dangerous

On the other hand, a lack of vitamin B12 in the body has significant health consequences. It is one of the most prevalent deficiency cases, especially among the elderly and vegetables, and leads to a group of symptoms that include:

Numbness and numbness in the limbs: Because of the influence of peripheral nerves.
Difficulty focusing: Due to its direct effect on brain function.
Fatigue and lethargyB12 is involved in energy production within cells.
Muscle weaknessWeakening physical ability.
Extreme anemia: Its deficiency leads to a lack of red blood cell production.
Rush: A response from the body to try to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
Nerve problemsLong -term may cause non -treatment damage to the nervous system.

The most vulnerable categories of B12 deficiency

There are certain groups that are more likely to develop vitamin B12, including:

VegetariansAs the vitamin is mainly found in animal sources.
the elderly: Because of the poor absorption of vitamin with age.
Patients of the digestive systemLike those who suffer from chronic infections or undergoing stomach or intestinal removal.
Pregnant women: During the pregnancy, the body needs more nutrients.

The perfect dose … and a necessary balance – the benefits of vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a water -soluble vitamin, which means that the body is able to get rid of the excess of its need through urine, but that does not mean that its increase is always safe.

Eating high doses frequently, especially through injection or pharmaceutical supplements, may lead to its accumulation in the liver, which poses a threat to its long -term functions.

Doctors always advise not to take any dietary supplement without medical advice, and to perform a periodic analysis to measure the B12 level in the blood, especially for those who suffer from symptoms related to its deficiency or follow a diet that may cause a shortage in it.

Is it possible to rely on food only?

The best way to maintain normal B12 levels is to eat a balanced diet that contains its natural sources, such as:

Liver and red meat
Eggs and dairy products
Fish like salmon and tuna
Shellfish

But in certain cases, such as weak absorption or the presence of chronic diseases, food may not be sufficient, which requires resorting to supplements with medical supervision.