You may have heard of people losing weight by getting vitamin B12 shots or taking highly absorbable vitamin B12 supplements (like Purality Health’s Micelle Liposomal B12).
But does it work?
That’s what we want to discuss in this blog! We’ll go over why people think this and the science that shows how vitamin B12 can help you when it comes to your weight.
Why vitamin B12 is important
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at vitamin B12 in general. Because even if you’re not looking to lose weight, this is one of the most important vitamins that you should be monitoring.
Vitamin B12 is classified as an essential nutrient. This means that your body needs it for normal, healthy function, but it does not make it. As such, you’re responsible for taking in enough vitamin B12 on a daily basis.
This vitamin is involved in forming DNA and red blood cells. It’s also necessary for heart health, energy production, brain function, and more. In fact, scientists and nutritionists alike warn that long-term B12 deficiency can leave you with permanent neurological issues. [1, 2]
While it’s found in many animal products and often added to fortified foods, vitamin B12 can sometimes be difficult to source. For example, vegans, vegetarians, and people with digestive issues are at a higher risk of deficiency and should pay extra attention to their B12 levels. [3]
See the deficiency checklist by clicking here – do you have any of these symptoms?
Obesity and low vitamin B12
Speaking of signs that you may be low in vitamin B12, several studies have found that those who have healthy levels of vitamin B12 are less likely to be overweight or gain weight.
For example, one large study with over 9,000 participants found that vitamin B12 was associated with a lower risk of being overweight. [4]
On the flip side, a similar study linked lower levels of vitamin B12 with a higher risk of overweight or obesity. [5]
And this isn’t just true for adults. A similar study done in children showed that children with lower levels of B12 have a higher body mass index (BMI) – a measurement of body size determined by height and weight. [6]
These are all interesting associations. So, what’s going on? Well, research is limited, but scientists think they may be starting to figure out what’s going on…
Lowers body fat and boosts metabolism
Most B vitamins play some role in the metabolic system, and vitamin B12 is no different. But when it comes to B12, research suggests that its role involves how your body processes and stores fats.
One review from 2020 that looked at the mechanisms behind B12 and fat concluded that B12 plays a key role in fat metabolism, meaning it helps the body break fat down instead of storing it. [7]
And an interesting study found that inducing a B12 deficiency in mice caused them to have a significant increase in body fat percentage and cholesterol levels. [8]
Then, another animal study showed that giving B12 to rats that were fed a high-fat diet reduced weight gain and boosted metabolism compared to a control group of rats on the same diet, but with no daily B12. [9]
The verdict?
So, as it turns out, the hype isn’t about nothing. With all the functions that B12 already has in the body, it looks like we found one more: weight regulation.
As it stands now, healthy levels of vitamin B12 can help your body break down fats quickly rather than store them as fat, which would make you gain weight. However, it would be great to see human trials published in this area.
If you want to maintain a healthy weight, you need to make sure your vitamin B12 levels are healthy.
Purality Health’s Micelle Liposomal Vitamin B12 ensures FULL absorption of this crucial vitamin, even if you have trouble absorbing the nutrient (like most people over 50 years of age do).
