Role of Vitamin B12 in Ensuring Winter Resilience: Here’s How You Can Incorporate It In Your Routine

Winter, with its brisk air, icy mornings, and lack of sunlight, often makes us crave an energy boost. As we enter the colder months, it is important to strengthen our resistance to seasonal obstacles. Vitamin B12, which plays an important role in sustaining energy levels and thus supporting our overall well-being, is a potent ally in this quest for vitality.

“Although maintaining a balanced diet and following a well-planned exercise regimen have proved to be effective to boost overall health, many individuals tend to overlook the underlying causes of their illnesses. It is, therefore, crucial to prioritise the optimisation of vitamin levels, with a focus on vitamin B12, to address these fundamental issues,” said Dr Sachin Pawar, Head – Medical Affairs, P&G Health.

Role of Vitamin B12 in Ensuring Winter Resilience

“Vitamins play a vital role in elevating and enhancing our body's functions. Among the 13 essential vitamins necessary for maintaining good health, vitamin B12 stands out the most. Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse when it comes to energy production in the body. It is required to produce energy from glucose, which is a major energy source for our body,” said Dr Pawar, adding, it also plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to our organs and tissues. 

Moreover, Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Lack of sunlight can impact our mood during winters, a well-functioning nervous system becomes even more critical. The adult human brain makes up only 2% of the body weight, but it consumes approximately 20% of the energy deriving from glucose. According to the journal Nutrients, deficiency in B12 can result in decreased energy production, increased fatigue, limited oxygen-carrying capacity in our body etc. As a result, low oxygen levels contribute to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. 

Also read: Study Finds 5 Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Experienced By 15% Of The Patients

Dr Pawar said, “This is where Vitamin B12 plays a key role in regulating mood and combating feelings of depression and anxiety. When we have sufficient levels of Vitamin B12, our body's energy production is optimised, helping us feel more alert and resilient”.

Bolstering Immune Functions

The significance of Vitamin B12 extends to immune function as well. Studies suggest that Vitamin B12 heightens the efficiency of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in our immune system's ability to respond to illnesses and infections.

“By enhancing the potency of white blood cells, Vitamin B12 contributes to the body's robust defence mechanism. This heightened strength not only helps in the timely response to infections but also accentuates the integral role that Vitamin B12 plays in reinforcing our immune system, promoting resilience against a variety of health challenges,” explained Dr Pawar. 

Incorporating Vitamin B12 in Our Daily Routine

Now that we understand the importance of Vitamin B12 for winter resilience, the next step is to incorporate it into our daily routine. 

Including a balanced diet rich in whole grains, leafy greens, lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products is essential, however, keeping a tab on our diet meticulously on an everyday basis can be challenging, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions. This is where supplements can come to our aid to bridge this nutritional gap between our dietary choices and our body’s requirements. 

Also read: Here Are 5 Ways To Boost Your Body’s Ability to Absorb Vitamin B12

These supplements not only offer a convenient solution but also serve as a reliable means to ensure that our bodies receive the necessary levels of this crucial nutrient, promoting overall health and well-being, particularly during the winter season.

Adequate supply of Vitamin B12 can be a great choice in sustaining the energy level of our body, supporting a positive mood, and enhancing overall resilience. So, power up your winter resilience with the secret weapon of Vitamin B12 energy, and embrace the season with vitality.