In the last few years, the vitamin world has proclaimed Vitamin D the king, with scientific proof that low levels lead to heart disease and cancer. However, recently the medical community is giving a great deal of attention to the importance of Vitamin B. In truth, vitamin b impacts each cell in your body and plays a role in just about every major bodily function.
The process by which protein and DNA are produced and maintained in our bodies, called methylation, is dependent on vitamin B. Also, without sufficient levels of Vitamin B your homocysteine levels will rise to a dangerous level, increasing your risk of heart disease. Neurological functioning and mood regulation is also dependent on the b vitamins.
It is now estimated that at least 60% of the United States population is suffering from vitamin B deficiency. There are certain groups who we know are at high risk including people over 65, smokers, drinkers and vegetarians. However, even if you do not fall into one of these groups does not mean that you do not need to be concerned about your vitamin b levels. Thanks to the excessive consumption of processed food, just about everyone is at risk for developing low or moderately low vitamin b levels. For this reason, it is recommended that you supplement with vitamin b even if you are not experiencing vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms.
According to James Gordon, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University and author of Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression, in some cases taking b12 shots makes the most sense. For example, at least 30% of those who are hospitalized for depression also have a b12 deficiency. In these cases, taking high dosage b12 injections can often be enough to make a significant impact on the symptoms.
