B12 plays a crucial role in several vital functions: Red blood cell formation B12 is essential for producing healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body DNA synthesis Required for cell division and replication, including the rapidly dividing cells in hair follicles Nervous system function Maintains the protective myelin sheath around nerves Energy metabolism Helps convert food into usable energy Protein synthesis Supports the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair Because B12 is involved in so many fundamental processes, a deficiency can affect multiple body systems including your hair
The NHS side-effects guidance for hydroxocobalamin, the form used in the UK, lists nausea, headache, dizziness and injection-site reactions as known effects that usually pass on their own
The contrast with prescriptions for oral medications is particularly sharp and underscores the patients feeling of being uniquely constrained
By keeping energy levels stable and metabolism active, B12 may help users push past these plateaus
You may also experience a better mood, a healthier immune system, and decreased fatigue