It is a well-known fact in the medical world that vitamins are essential for normal body function. Food is a source of many different types of vitamins, and even sunlight can be a source, as some vitamins are synthesized and absorbed by the skin. Of all the vitamin types, B vitamins are one of the most essential for bodily metabolic function. B6 and B12 vitamins have been thought to help contribute to weight loss recently, and these are now being considered for this purpose.
Let's take a look at this in a bit closer and assess how exactly they can help.
B12 Vitamin
Vitamin B12 is also called cobolamine as it contains the element cobalt within its structure. This vitamin is highly important with organ systems, most notably the nervous system and the brain need this essential water-soluble vitamin in order to function optimally. Those who do not have enough B12 in their system can suffer from anemia, as this vitamin is crucial in the formation of haemoglobin.
Vitamin B12 is available in a number of animal foods. Those who only eat vegetarian foods have a higher chance of being deficient in vitamin B12. Patients who are deficient in vitamin B12 tend to suffer from tiredness and lethargy. In such a situation, patients may be administered vitamin B12 injections which can help them recover from this tiredness and regain the normal energy levels.
Weight loss using Vitamin B12
There has been a fair bit of discussion regarding vitamin B12 being effective as a weight-loss supplement. Right now, this can not be completely verified by scientific analysis and studies. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be a possible cause of weight loss, and for those who are looking to put on weight, B12 can help them to put on some of those lost pounds. It is known that vitamin B12 is needed for transforming carbohydrates into usable sugars in the body. The argument about whether this enhances weight loss is ongoing.
Even something like vitamins can hurt someone if they are not taken correctly, or are taken in too large of amounts. While no significant harm has been shown by excessive intake vitamin B12 through food, artificially supplementing it through injections may be harmful. Vitamins are absorbed by the body in the amounts that the body needs, and when more is taken in, the body has no use for it.
Vitamin B6
B6 is similar to B12 in that it is water-soluble, and another term for vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. The body has many active forms of B6 within it. Vitamin B6 is essential for the breakdown and use of protein molecules (amino acids) and also in the synthesis of glucose within the body. Fats are also assisted in being broken down by this.
Vitamin B6 is also available in a variety of foods such as whole grain, nuts, vegetables and meat. The symptoms that someone is deficient in vitamin B6 could include inflammation of the cheeks and or tongue, and skin diseases, among other things.
Vitamin B6 as a weight-loss drug
As is the case with vitamin B12, there does not appear to be any strong evidence supporting the role of vitamin B6 in weight loss. Upon further examination of vitamin B6, and how the body uses it in processes, we know that it stimulates the metabolism of lipids as one of the properties of this vitamin.
Having too much vitamin B6 in the body can cause it harm, as the thyroid gland can be stimulated beyond healthy levels. One could actually lose weight this way, but it is harmful so it must be avoided.
Summary
Both of these vitamins B6, and B12 are incredibly important for the body to function optimally. The role of these vitamins in weight loss is in debate at this time, and there is no irrefutable proof that it helps. People need to think about the best ways to be healthy and shed weight, including having sensible diet, and getting enough physical activity.
Let's take a look at this in a bit closer and assess how exactly they can help.
B12 Vitamin
Vitamin B12 is also called cobolamine as it contains the element cobalt within its structure. This vitamin is highly important with organ systems, most notably the nervous system and the brain need this essential water-soluble vitamin in order to function optimally. Those who do not have enough B12 in their system can suffer from anemia, as this vitamin is crucial in the formation of haemoglobin.
Vitamin B12 is available in a number of animal foods. Those who only eat vegetarian foods have a higher chance of being deficient in vitamin B12. Patients who are deficient in vitamin B12 tend to suffer from tiredness and lethargy. In such a situation, patients may be administered vitamin B12 injections which can help them recover from this tiredness and regain the normal energy levels.
Weight loss using Vitamin B12
There has been a fair bit of discussion regarding vitamin B12 being effective as a weight-loss supplement. Right now, this can not be completely verified by scientific analysis and studies. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also be a possible cause of weight loss, and for those who are looking to put on weight, B12 can help them to put on some of those lost pounds. It is known that vitamin B12 is needed for transforming carbohydrates into usable sugars in the body. The argument about whether this enhances weight loss is ongoing.
Even something like vitamins can hurt someone if they are not taken correctly, or are taken in too large of amounts. While no significant harm has been shown by excessive intake vitamin B12 through food, artificially supplementing it through injections may be harmful. Vitamins are absorbed by the body in the amounts that the body needs, and when more is taken in, the body has no use for it.
Vitamin B6
B6 is similar to B12 in that it is water-soluble, and another term for vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. The body has many active forms of B6 within it. Vitamin B6 is essential for the breakdown and use of protein molecules (amino acids) and also in the synthesis of glucose within the body. Fats are also assisted in being broken down by this.
Vitamin B6 is also available in a variety of foods such as whole grain, nuts, vegetables and meat. The symptoms that someone is deficient in vitamin B6 could include inflammation of the cheeks and or tongue, and skin diseases, among other things.
Vitamin B6 as a weight-loss drug
As is the case with vitamin B12, there does not appear to be any strong evidence supporting the role of vitamin B6 in weight loss. Upon further examination of vitamin B6, and how the body uses it in processes, we know that it stimulates the metabolism of lipids as one of the properties of this vitamin.
Having too much vitamin B6 in the body can cause it harm, as the thyroid gland can be stimulated beyond healthy levels. One could actually lose weight this way, but it is harmful so it must be avoided.
Summary
Both of these vitamins B6, and B12 are incredibly important for the body to function optimally. The role of these vitamins in weight loss is in debate at this time, and there is no irrefutable proof that it helps. People need to think about the best ways to be healthy and shed weight, including having sensible diet, and getting enough physical activity.