Vitamin B12: Immunity

Water, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other substances in our bodies are all in balance. To be healthy, this delicate balance must be maintained. A single component with a delicate composition can be harmful to the body.
Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in some foods, is supplemented in others, and is available as a prescription drug. Cobalt can be found in vitamin B12-containing compounds known as “cobalamin.” Vitamin B12 is active in the forms of methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. When hydroxycobalamin and cyanocobalamin are converted to methylcobalamin, they become physiologically active. Only vitamin B12 is not found in plant foods. B12 boosts the immune system. Inadequate B12 and folic acid levels suppress immune cell activity and disrupt metabolic processes, altering the immune response.

Vitamin B12 is essential for human health. It is the most important B vitamin in the body. This vitamin is required for nerve tissue formation, brain function, and red blood cell synthesis. For brain development, myelination, and function, red blood cell production, and DNA gene synthesis. B12 is required by both red blood cells and the DNA gene. Bone marrow components stimulate the production of white blood cells and platelets. It is required for the digestive and nervous systems to function properly. Myelin is a nerve shield that is required for nervous system function. B12 is required for lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. A lack of B vitamins can be harmful to our health.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble protein that is quickly absorbed by the body. B12 can be stored for four years before being excreted in the urine. The structure of this vitamin is the most complicated. This vitamin can only be made through bacterial fermentation. Vitamin B12 may be used as an adjuvant medication in the treatment and management of COVID-19 viral infections, particularly in the treatment of muscle-gut-brain symptoms. Microorganisms produce vitamin B12, which aids in the balance of immune responses during viral infections (anaerobic bacteria). Animals get B12 from other animals’ food or gut microbes. Meat, milk, and curd contain more B12 because they are decaying foods. B12 deficiency was uncommon 20 years ago due to natural microorganisms. Microorganisms cannot thrive in today’s environment due to pesticides, chemicals, radiation, chlorinated water, and other factors.
When taken in proper doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are safe. Adults need 2.4 micrograms of B-12 per day. Because the body does not store excess B12, even high doses are considered safe. Any excess is excreted in the urine. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, foods should contain a variety of nutrients as well as other health-beneficial components. Fortified foods and supplements can help fill nutritional gaps. Dietary guidelines recommend eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains (at least half of which should be whole grains), milk, yogurt, cheese, and oils. Milk, cereals, lean meats, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products all contain vitamin B12.

The content of this post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for the medical advice of your physician.