Exploring God’s Blessings From Vitamin B12

Our Creator has provided for us B12 in liver, muscle meats, kidneys, fish and dairy products. Those who are vegetarian should consider a B12 supplement or, better still, B-complex supplements. Regardless, God wants us to take care of the bodies He has loaned us, so it is wise to make sure we have an adequate intake of B12. Here are just a few reasons why.

These B-complex supplements contain vitamin B12. Image is by author.

Your Red Blood Cells Need B12

A primary role of B12 is the normal formation of red blood cells. Once it is absorbed with the help of calcium and other substances, B12 binds to serum protein (globulins) and is sent in the bloodstream to various tissues. The liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, testes, brain, and bone marrow have the highest concentrations of B12, and all of these body members are related to red blood cell formation.

Your red blood cells then develop to a certain point. After that, folic acid, iron, protein and vitamin C assist in completing the development of the cells so that they can mature.

Injections of B12 have been used to treat patients that have pernicious anemia, which is characterized by insufficient red blood cells in the bone marrow. Death occurs if pernicious anemia is untreated.

Essential for Cells

B12 is required for cell division. It works with B6 and folate in the formation of DNA and RNA and enzymes connected with their function. Working with vitamins C and B9, it repairs DNA. B12 also maintains epithelial cells (cells forming the covering of external and internal surfaces of the body).

It’s Needed for Metabolism

Like the other B vitamins, cyanocobalamin is heavily involved in metabolism–chemical processes occurring within a living organism or cell that are needed for the maintenance of life. B12 metabolizes protein, fat and carbohydrates, releasing energy in some cases. Additionally, B12 is needed for normal metabolism of nerve tissue and maintains the nervous system.

Promotes Mental Health

There have been instances where mental confusion, Alzheimer’s, and depression have been remedied by B12 treatments. In some cases, a lack of B12 results in brain damage similar to schizophrenia. This damage is detected by these symptoms: a feeling of deadness, numbness or stiffness, sore mouth shooting pains, needles-and-pins or hot-then-cold sensations.

Prevention of Maladies

Though sickness and death entered the world when Adam sinned, God, through His atoning work in Christ, has provided healing. But we also have the responsibility of taking care of ourselves, and B12 has blessed many people.

B12 has been found beneficial in treating against cancer (especially smoking induced), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, bursitis, asthma and hepatitis. It has provided relief from chronic fatigue, neuritis, increased nervous irritability, mild impairment in memory, inability to concentrate, insomnia, menstrual disturbances, multiple sclerosis, shingles (herpes zoster) and lack of balance. B12 safeguards against major birth defects.

Other Work

B12 protects the heart by helping the arteries produce the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase to lower homocysteine levels. It helps iron function better in the body and assists folic acid in the synthesis of choline. B12 ensures a healthy immune system, is needed for the the proper digestion of foods, increases energy levels, and is beneficial for hair.

Good Reason for Thanks

Knowing these things is good cause to be very thankful to God the next time you enjoy a fish dinner or any other foods containing B12. God wants life for us, and He wants us to take care of ourselves so we can lovingly serve Him. It is also a comfort to know about His great loving care to us by providing vitamin B12 for us.

For a quick reference with Holy Scriptures to some of the vitamins God has prepared for us, please read Gospel Vitamins by hepzibah. Also, explore more with brother Pete.