Vitamin B12 is an important water-soluble vitamin that is commonly present in foods such as fish, beef liver, salmon, meat, cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt and breakfast cereals. It is also available as a prescription medication and a dietary supplement. Many doctors believe that taking vitamin B12 shots and supplements may cause weight loss. This claim has never been substantiated. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe and irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Vitamins
Effects on Weight Loss
Vitamin B12 is often offered as a weight loss solution in the form of injections as well as dietary supplements. Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body and is known to produce energy from metabolism of fat and protein. There is no proof that vitamin B12 causes weight loss, or that a vitamin B12 deficiency prevents weight loss. Vitamin B12 can, however, help contribute to weight loss by providing the body with more energy. Increased energy and metabolism affects the amount of calories your body can burn. Burning more calories promotes weight loss.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause fatigue and weakness. These two symptoms may cause decreased activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, "If you're not very active, you don't burn as many calories."
Causes of Deficiency
There are several causes of vitamin B12 deficiency including a diet low in vitamin B12 producing foods, chronic alcoholism, intestinal disorders, pernicious anemia and Crohn's disease. Abdominal surgery may also cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
Risk of Deficiency
People following a vegan or strict vegetarian diet are at a greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because their diet typically excludes all meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. These products are natural sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency is less common in lacto-ovo vegetarians who consume dairy or eggs.
Individuals on diets or weight loss programs should be sure that they're getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 if natural food sources are restricted. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that the average adult consume about 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 daily.
Symptoms of Deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency often include fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, numbness and tingling, burning of the tongue, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, brittle nails, disorientation, memory loss and anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be diagnosed through laboratory tests.
Treatment of Deficiency
Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in foods containing vitamin B12 can prevent vitamin B12 deficiency. If meat and dairy are not part of your diet, increasing your intake of supplements or receiving vitamin B12 injections may be suggested by your doctor or dietitian. Dietary changes and proper nutrition enables healthy weight loss.
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