May 14, 2013

Vitamins B6 and B12 for Weight Loss

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By Lenai Headley


It is a well-known fact in the medical world that vitamins are essential for normal body function. There are a variety of vitamins in our food with some vitamins being synthesized in our skin upon exposure to sunlight. Metabolic processes in the body are greatly assisted by the B vitamins, more so than most other types. As of late, B6 and B12 have been considered to help significantly for those who are trying to lose weight, and these vitamins have gotten a lot of attention.

Let's take a look at this in a bit closer and assess how exactly they can help.

Vitamin B12

Cobolamine is another term for B12, as cobalt is one of the structure's elements. The nervous system and brain are 2 of the more essential organs in the body that this water-soluble vitamin plays a crucial role in, as well as other systems as well. In addition to this, it is essential for the synthesis of haemoglobin and patients who are deficient in vitamin B12 can be anaemic.

B12 vitamins come from many sources, including many products made from animals. Those who only eat vegetarian foods have a higher chance of being deficient in vitamin B12. Exhaustion and lethargy are signs that a person could possibly be deficient in vitamin B12. Patients who receive vitamin B12 injections find it helps raise them to their optimal level of energy, and it can greatly help reduce the feelings of exhaustion that a patient may have.

Vitamin B12 as a weight-loss drug

There has been a fair bit of discussion regarding vitamin B12 being effective as a weight-loss supplement. However, there does not appear to be any strong evidence from scientific studies that confirms this. In fact, a low vitamin B12 levels can cause weight loss by itself and supplementing the patient with vitamin B12 should help patients regain their lost bodyweight. On the other hand however, vitamin B12 is required to break down carbohydrates ingested in the diet into usable sugars. Whether or not this will actually aid weight loss is questionable.

Even something like vitamins can hurt someone if they are not taken correctly, or are taken in too large of amounts. Vitamin B12 that is taken into the body in the form of food has not been documented to have hurt anyone, but injecting the supplement can cause harm, if done improperly. The body has a certain capacity for absorbing vitamins and nutrients, and if too much of anything is ingested they no longer are beneficial.

B6 Vitamin

B6 is similar to B12 in that it is water-soluble, and another term for vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 is contained within the body in many forms, which are elements of bodily processes. This is used in the critical break down of the amino acids in protein molecules, and also production of glucose in the body is benefited by vitamin B6. It also helps break down fats as well.

Whole grain is a source of vitamin B6, as well as other foods like meat, nuts and it is in some vegetables as well. Low consumption of vitamin B6 and consequently low levels in the blood can cause skin disease and inflammation of the tongue and cheeks.

B6 as a weight loss vitamin supplement

At this time, vitamin B6, like B12 for weight loss can not be verified conclusively from studies. 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.

The problem of course is that getting excess vitamin B6 can actually be harmful as it can over-stimulate the thyroid gland. One could actually lose weight this way, but it is harmful so it must be avoided.

Synopsis

The body uses Vitamin B12 and B6 in critical processes that keep the body healthy. 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.




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