Essential Checks Before Your Weight Loss Programme: Vitamin D3 & B12 Levels

D3 is a type of vitamin D that our body makes naturally from sunshine. The main function of vitamin D3 is to maintain your teeth, bones and immunity system healthy by absorbing calcium and phosphorus. 

But how adequate level of D3 aids weight loss. It is because it supresses the accumulation of fat cells by effectively reducing fat accumulation. It also increase SEROTONIN (happy hormones) levels that enhances mood and sound sleep, control appetite, increase satiety, control calorie intake and aid in weight loss. 

There are very few food sources of Vitamin D3. It should be compensated both through supplements and through sufficient sunlight exposure. Persistent pain in the muscles and joints, pain in the sheen area, no or very less weight loss even after genuine efforts could be some of the classic symptom of vitamin D3 deficiency. 

This has been seen that overweight and obese people generally deficit in Vitamin D3, might be because very less skin is exposed to sunlight. An obese body also lacks the enzymes that are needed to convert vitamin D into its active form.

Excessive intake of D3 is toxic. Therefore, it is always advised to check the levels and talk to a practitioner before starting with the supplements. 

The next vitamin is B12. It is the largest and the most complicated vitamin. Though it is a fat soluble vitamin but our body can store it for up to 4 years. Excess of it is secreted through urine. 

B12 is crucial for proper functioning of the nervous system, brain and formation of RBC’s. The metabolism of every cell depends on B12 as it aids energy production. This proves B12 deficiency leads to low energy levels and impaired metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Even low energy results lack of physical activity which is the main cause of accumulation of fat. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that teens and adults over the age of 14 years should consume 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12 a day. Animal based foods and fortified cereals are the main sources of B12. It can also be supplemented through oral medications and injections.

Excessive intake of vitamin B-12 has not demonstrated toxic or harmful qualities. However, people are always advised to speak with their physician before starting to take supplements.