Let's take a look at this in a bit closer and assess how exactly they can help.
Vitamin B12
Cobolamine is another term for B12, as cobalt is one of the structure's elements. This vitamin is highly important with organ systems, most notably the nervous system and the brain need this essential water-soluble vitamin in order to function optimally. Haemoglobin production needs vitamin B12, without enough B12, anemia is a common occurrence.
Vitamin B12 is available in a number of animal foods. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is seen in people who consume a strict vegetarian diet. Lethargy is a common symptom of patients who lack B12 in their diets. In such a situation, patients may be administered vitamin B12 injections which can help them recover from this tiredness and regain the normal energy levels.
Vitamin B12 as a weight-loss drug
Vitamin B12 has been examined quite a bit as of late in the area of supplements for weight loss. Studies at this time have not confirmed this is a definite benefit. Weight loss can actually happen because of a lack of vitamin B12 for some, and B12 supplements have been known to assist patients that are trying to put on weight. On the other hand however, vitamin B12 is required to break down carbohydrates ingested in the diet into usable sugars. It is a matter of debate how much this contributes to weight loss.
It has to be borne in mind that taking vitamin supplements over and above what the body requires can actually be harmful. While no significant harm has been shown by excessive intake vitamin B12 through food, artificially supplementing it through injections may be harmful. The body has a certain capacity for absorbing vitamins and nutrients, and if too much of anything is ingested they no longer are beneficial.
B6 Vitamin
Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine and like vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. The body has many active forms of B6 within it. This is used in the critical break down of the amino acids in protein molecules, and also production of glucose in the body is benefited by vitamin B6. This boosts the breaking down of fats in the body additionally.
Whole grain is a source of vitamin B6, as well as other foods like meat, nuts and it is in some vegetables as well. A lack of B6 in the body can result in many issues, such as skin disease, or tongue and cheek inflammation, to name a couple of examples.
B6 as a weight loss vitamin supplement
There is a lack of solid proof at this time that vitamin B6 is linked to weight loss, similar to how B12 is regarded. Upon further examination of vitamin B6, and how the body uses it in processes, we know that it stimulates the metabolism of lipids as one of the properties of this vitamin.
The problem of course is that getting excess vitamin B6 can actually be harmful as it can over-stimulate the thyroid gland. One could actually lose weight this way, but it is harmful so it must be avoided.
Summary
The body uses Vitamin B12 and B6 in critical processes that keep the body healthy. The role of these vitamins in weight loss is in debate at this time, and there is no irrefutable proof that it helps. Diet and exercise remain the best ways to lose weight and should be observed more strictly.
