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Fertility problems are common in both men and women. Majority of couples find it increasingly difficult to conceive. One of the major causes of fertility problems or being unable to conceive is lack of Vitamin B12 in the body. Researchers suggest that low levels of B12 in the body can affect fertility in both men and women. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time now with no success, then one of the reasons could be lack of vitamin B12 in your body. Find out how Vitamin B12 affects your fertility and what you can do to get pregnant soon.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. It’s the largest vitamin B and is vital for metabolizing the body cells. Besides, it plays a major role in producing the genetic components DNA and RNA of the egg as well as the sperm.
Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Cause Infertility?
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can affect the fertility of both men and women. When your body lacks B12, it can result in serious consequences, such as weakness, memory loss, infertility, anaemia, neurological or psychiatric problems. Here is how Vitamin B12 deficiency affects both men and women.
1. In Men
Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in generation and maturation of the sperms. Men suffering from fertility issues should consider consuming foods rich in Vitamin B12 to meet their body’s requirement of Vitamin B12. A deficiency of this vitamin may negatively affect the sperm count or lead to following issues:
- Low sperm count
- DNA damage in sperm cells
- Low motility of sperm
- Loss of libido
- Premature ejaculation
2. In Women
For a woman with a deficiency in Vitamin B12 trying to conceive is difficult. Even if a woman with Vitamin B12 gets pregnant, the chances of foetal loss are higher. The lack of B12 possibly interferes with the reproduction and contributes to below problems:
- Abnormal ovulation
- Disruption in normal cell division
- Impaired development of the egg
- Difficulty implanting the fertilized ovum in the uttering lining
Now you know what are the problems you may face in case of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is why you should take necessary supplements of this vitamin. Supplementing your body with vitamin b12 fertility dosage of about 2.4 micrograms a day can help in the healthy functioning of your body.
How to Include Vitamin B12 in Your Diet to Get Pregnant?
There is no need to panic if your body lacks Vitamin B12. You can always consult your doctor and make efforts to fuel your body with B12 rich foods in your diet or take few supplements.
1. Vitamin B12 Rich Foods
Vitamin B12 can be found in animal-based foods. Vitamin B-12 can be found in abundance in following.
- Salmon
- Beef Liver
- Sirloin Beef
- Molluscs (clams, oysters, mussels)
- Yoghurt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Haddock
- Tuna
2. Vitamin B12 Supplements
The two forms of Vitamin B12 which exist in an active state in the body are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin, which is commonly found in the Centrum vitamins, needs to be converted to either of the 2 active forms in the body. The safest and recommended form of Vitamin B12 is the methylcobalamin as it needs no further conversion to be absorbed in the body.
It is easily available at pharmacy and food stores and can be obtained in forms of pills, sublingual tablet, nasal spray, liquid, and transdermal patch. The standard Vitamin B12 fertility dosage for enriching your body is 1000 micrograms, then once a week for a month and one injection a month for the lifetime if your doctor prescribes.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in preparing your body to conceive and help you carry the baby to term. It helps the nervous system function properly and other processes involved in reproduction. You should consult your doctor about the vitamin B12 levels in your body, and if found deficient, you should immediately start supplementing your body with B12 enriched foods or supplements.
