Can Vitamin B12 Help You Lose Weight?
As we move into summer, everyone is searching for a weight loss option to help them achieve their “beach body”. One of the top questions that we get asked at East Boca Acupuncture is about weight loss supplements and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 shots and supplements have grown in popularity over the last few years with people who are looking for a quick fix for weight loss. Although it has not been proven outright that B12 shots can help in weight loss, the understanding of how B12 effects your body leads us to believe that it can be used as a helpful tool for some people.
At East Boca Acupuncture, we believe that it can help fight fatigue, boost energy levels, and speed up your metabolism.
Effects on body fat and metabolism
Although research is still very limited, some studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggest that vitamin B12 could affect body fat and metabolism. One review concluded that vitamin B12 plays a key role in fat metabolism, noting that a deficiency could be linked to increased fat accumulation and obesity.
According to one large study in 9,075 people, having higher blood levels of vitamin B12 was associated with a lower risk of obesity. Similarly, another study in 976 people showed that having low levels of vitamin B12 was linked to a higher risk of overweight or obesity. Research Link
Another study in 256 children showed that children with lower levels of vitamin B12 tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body size determined by height and weight. Research Link
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by a low number of red blood cells that are larger than normal. Megaloblastic anemia can cause a variety of symptoms and side effects, including:
- shortness of breath
- headache
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
- poor balance
- memory loss
That said, being low in vitamin B12 doesn’t always lead to megaloblastic anemia, and many people may only experience mild symptoms like fatigue. Furthermore, while a deficiency in vitamin B12 may not cause weight gain, it can decrease energy levels and contribute to fatigue, making it harder to stay active and manage your weight.
If you’re low or deficient in B12, your healthcare provider will likely recommend oral vitamin B12 supplements or injections to increase your blood levels. At East Boca Acupuncture, we offer several treatment plans that include B12 shots. Give us a call today to see if this is the right treatment for you!