Vitamin B and Weight Loss: What is the Correlation?

The Vitamin B complex is a group of eight B vitamins. They help convert food into glucose and thus provide the body with energy. The Vitamin B complex also helps neurological functions, and they help the body metabolize fats and proteins. All of the vitamins can be found in various foods and supplements.

What is in the B Complex?

Thiamine (B1) helps to strengthen the immune system. Riboflavin (B2) is an antioxidant and thus protects the body’s cells from free radicals. Niacin (B3) reduces the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing the levels of good cholesterol. Reducing bad cholesterol is believed to help prevent hardening of the arteries.

Pantothenic acid (B5) helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats, and it helps produce hormones including testosterone. Pyroxidine or Vitamin B6 helps make neurotransmitters and certain hormones, and it also helps boost the immune system. Biotin (B7) helps developing babies grow normally, and it keeps people’s hair, nails and skin healthy.

Folate (B9) also supports the growth of developing babies and prevents birth defects of the nervous system. It may also prevent memory loss and depression. Cobalamin (B12) works with folate to make red blood cells.

Does It Help People Lose Weight?

It is believed that certain vitamins in the Vitamin B complex can help people lose weight. Some of these vitamins are needed to help the body metabolize various nutrients. A 2013 study indicated that overweight and obese people were likely to have low levels of Vitamin B12.

A 2015 study found that obese people were also likely to have thiamine deficiencies, and thiamine helps to regulate appetite. More research is needed to determine why obese people are prone to thiamine deficiencies. Another 2015 study found that obesity triggers a breakdown of niacin.

What About Vitamin B12 Injection Weight Loss?

Since Vitamin B12 is found mainly in meat products, vegans and vegetarians are at risk for developing disorders caused by nutritional deficiencies. Other people likely to have Vitamin B12 deficiencies include the elderly, people with certain digestive disorders, people with HIV and people who have undergone surgery of the GI tract. One such condition caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency is megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by an abnormally low red blood cell count. Fatigue is the most common symptom of this condition. Injections of Vitamin B12 work nicely for boosting the energy of such patients. When you have more energy, you are more motivated to work out, thus encouraging weight loss.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are wondering if you would benefit from Vitamin B injections, the best thing to do is make an appointment at Simply Slim Medical in Bethesda. Proudly serving the areas of DMV, Bethesda MD, Falls Church VA and Tysons Corner VA, Dr. Wolins and his team are committed to helping you lose weight. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about injection weight loss.