In the present scenario, fertility is a big problem between both men as well as women. Most couples find it hard to conceive. These days couples get many options and treatments which can cure their fertility issues, yet it is important to know the underlying cause for the same. Vitamin B12 is considered as one of the 6 key nutrients essential for women who are trying to conceive. So does shortage of Vitamin B12 Affect Fertility?
It is the shortage of Vitamin B12 in one’s body that leads to most problems of fertility. It has been proved by researchers that a low level of Vitamin B12 in the body affects the fertility of both the men and the women. In case of failure to conceive, this could be a significant reason for the same. To find out more about Vitamin B12, its effects on fertility, and the ways by which one can have better chances of becoming pregnant are discussed as under.
In This Article
- What is Vitamin B12?
- Types of Vitamin B12
- Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Infertility?
- Why Are Vegetarians More Prone to Vitamin B 12 Deficiency?
- How to Include Vitamin B12 in Your Diet to Get Pregnant?
- What is the Recommended Dose of Vitamin B 12?
What is Vitamin B12?
As indicative of the name Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is soluble in water, and it helps in the smooth functioning of the central and nervous system. It is also known as Cobalamin. It is It’s the largest vitamin and highly responsible for breaking down the body cells. Apart from this, it also plays a vital role in the production of the chromosomal DNA as well as RNA components of the egg and the sperm too.
Types of Vitamin B12
There are four types of B12 (Cobalamin):
1. Methylcobalamin
It is a form of vitamin B12 which naturally found in food sources like fish, meat, eggs, and milk. It is also one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 in the human body (the other is Adenosylcobalamin).
2. Cyanocobalamin
This is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Being synthetic, it is a relatively more stable form of B12. It is also pocket-friendly when compared to other types of vitamin B12. Once enters the body, Cyanocobalamin will get transformed into either methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin.
3. Hydroxocobalamin
It is known as Vitamin B12a. It is an injectable form of vitamin B12.
4. Adenosylcobalamin
Adenosylcobalamin, also known as coenzyme B12, is one of the two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 in the human body (the other is methylcobalamin).
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Infertility?
A lack of Vitamin B12 greatly affects the fertility of men and women as well. In the event of a lack of B12 in the body, it can lead to acute issues like tiredness, forgetfulness, infertility, anemia, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. This could show different symptoms in men as well as women, and they are discussed as under:
In Men
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in generating the sperms and even responsible for the maturity of the sperms. Any men who are undergoing any fertility issue should increase the consumption of foods enriched with Vitamin B12, like beef, chicken, liver, sea fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, cheese, yogurt or low-fat milk, etc. To fulfill the requirement of the body. Any lack of the same can have negative effects on the sperm count or can result in the following:
- Decrease sperm count
- Damaged DNA in the cells of the sperm
- Lower motility rate of the sperms
- Libido loss
- Untimely ejaculation
In Women
Any women with a shortage of Vitamin B12 and trying to conceive would not be successful. Even if she conceives, the chances of the fetus surviving are too less. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 obstructs with the process of reproduction and leads to the following issues as:
- The irregular process of ovulation
- Disrupted cell division
- Weak egg development
- Problems with implanting of the fertilized ovum in the lining of the uterus
So, after having an insight of the issues that can crop in both the life of the men and the women, due to a deficiency of Vitamin B12, it is always good to have supplements of this as it leads to the healthy and smooth functioning of the organs of the body.
Why Are Vegetarians More Prone to Vitamin B 12 Deficiency?
There are no plant sources of Vitamin B12, and this vitamin is only found in animal-based food. Therefore Vegetarians and vegans are found to more prone to Vitamin B 12 deficiency. It is found that up to 50 percent of long-term vegetarians and 80 percent of vegans are facing Vitamin B12 deficiency.
How to Include Vitamin B12 in Your Diet to Get Pregnant?
It is normal in case one has a shortage of Vitamin B12 and no need to get puzzled up. In a situation like these, one can consult a doctor who can give the right foods to consume and give more energy and even suggest a few supplements as well.
1. Vitamin B12 Rich Foods
The deficiency of Vitamin B12 can be compensated by consuming more of animal-based food products, and some of the suggested ones are:
- Beef
- Liver
- Salmon
- Oysters
- Salmon
- Milk
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Breakfast cereals
- Haddock
2. Vitamin B12 Supplements
Vitamin B12 supplements can easily be obtained in the form of pills, tablets, sprays, etc. from the medical stores, food stores, etc. Vegetarians and vegans should never neglect to incorporate Vitamin B 12 supplements in their daily routine.
Points To Remember While Taking Vitamin B12 Supplements
Even though all forms of B-12 have no known adverse side effects, when it comes to supplementing with vitamin B-12, methylcobalamin offers an ideal option. Cyanocobalamin, even though relatively cheaper in price, has the presence of cyanide molecules. While the amount of cyanide is negligible and poses no danger, the body has to spend more energy to expel it from the liver.
What is the Recommended Dose of Vitamin B 12?
The recommended dose for Vitamin B12 in relation to fertility that is important for enrichment is ten mcg daily or 2,000 mcg once a week for a period of a month. However, if you are trying to get pregnant and diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor will recommend the correct dosage and even opt for vitamin B 12 shots.
Thus, Vitamin B12 is significant to make the body ready to be able to conceive and carry the baby in the womb for the time required. It even helps the central and nervous system to function smoothly and properly. It even helps the processes involved with reproduction to function properly, and in case of lack of Vitamin B12 in the body, one should at once start supplementing the body with Vitamin B12 food products or its supplements, in the worst case, seeking medical assistance.
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