5 Benefits of Vitamin B12 in the Workplace

If you’ve heard of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), you’re likely familiar with its energizing effects. Or perhaps you’ve heard that many non meat-eaters need it. Whatever the case, there are lots of workplace health benefits of B12, a vitamin that up to two-fifths of the US population could be deficient in.

In fact, there are several perks to getting more B12 that you may just want to share with your staff:

5 Reasons You Want Employees to Get More Vitamin B12

Is your workforce motivated, productive and engaged? Here are a few ways the beneficial effects of vitamin B12 can increase employee performance:

1. Reduces Fatigue

One of the most notable benefits of B12 is the increase in energy most users report, along with reduced fatigue throughout the day. This is most often seen in people who have particularly low levels of B12, as grogginess can be an indication of a deficiency. Once levels increase, there will be no stopping the productivity pumping out of your office!

2. Boosts Immune System

Imagine a world where employees had such healthy immune systems that they didn’t have to miss work. Sound like a dream? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that productivity losses linked to absenteeism cost US employers $225.8 billion annually, or $1,685 per employee. That’s a lot to spend on critical employees NOT being in the office, when simple supplements like vitamin B12 could boost immunity.

3. Decreases Stress

Workplace stress only continues to increase in Western society, making stress reduction and control critical to employees’ well being. Studies show that employees who regularly take vitamin B12 supplements report decreased stress levels. In fact, one study on the effects of administering a high dose B-vitamin complex to stressed employees revealed that “after individual differences in personality and work demands were statistically controlled, the vitamin B complex treatment groups reported significantly lower personal strain and a reduction in confusion and depressed/dejected mood after 12 weeks.” If that’s not a relief, we don’t know what is.

4. Increases Mood and Concentration

Depression is another common symptom reported by people who need more B12. The good news is that it doesn’t take long after beginning B12 supplements for mood to improve. Some people find that taking B12 in conjunction with other supplements like folic acid can lead to an even speedier change.

While depression often comes with a decreased ability to focus, B12 has also been shown to increase concentration, helping to improve attention and focus.

With over 50 known causes of depression out there (and even more culprits contributing to low concentration), B12 deficiency is often a good place to start if you are experiencing either of these symptoms.

5. Improves Memory

Speaking of increased cognitive function, a Mayo Clinic report shows that raising deficient vitamin B12 levels can improve memory. However, there is no evidence that taking additional B12 if you already get enough will have the same positive effects.

That said, promising research shows that B12 can slow cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s when taken in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids.

If your employees suffer from any level of fatigue, stress or illness, vitamin B12 may be worth looking into. It is most easily absorbed in the form of a shot, as this method bypasses the GI tract, which can have trouble processing the vitamin from natural sources and supplements.

Ready to schedule on-site B12 shots for employees? Give us a call and prepare to see productivity skyrocket!