Does Vitamin B12 Increase Height?

A lot of people are interested in learning what factors affect height growth, particularly in teenage years when spikes in height are frequently experienced.

Vitamin B12 frequently comes up as a nutrient that is thought to be important for growth and development.

Let's explore can vitamin B12 make people taller?

Does vitamin B12 increase height?

Understand Vitamin B12

Cobalamin, another name for vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for processes like protein metabolism, red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and neurological function.

Since it is mostly present in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet must take the necessary supplements.

The Role of Vitamin B12 in Growth

Since vitamin B12 is necessary for normal development and health, its precise effect on height growth is still unknown.

A childhood or teenage vitamin B12 deficiency can cause various health issues, including reduced growth and development.

There remains insufficient data to support the theory that consuming more vitamin B12 than the body needs can result in further growth in height.

Factors Affecting Height Growth

1. Genetics: 

Genetics plays a major role in determining height, with parental height being one important factor.

2. Nutrition: 

For the best possible growth, a person must receive adequate nutrition, which includes a balanced diet full of vital nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals.

3. Hormonal Factors: 

Adolescent height growth is influenced by hormones including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A lack of vitamin B12 can have major effects like slowed down growth in kids and teenagers.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause weakness, fatigue, pale skin, and neurological issues.

It is necessary to see a doctor if a deficiency is suspected to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which may involve vitamin B12 supplements or dietary changes.

Maintaining Overall Health

Getting enough vitamin B12 is vital for general health and well-being, yet it may not directly increase height beyond genetic potential.

A healthy diet, consistent exercise, enough sleep, and access to medical treatment are essential for promoting children's and adolescents' healthy growth and development.

Read: How Can I Make My Hair Silky in 10 Minutes?

What are some good dietary sources of vitamin B12?

1. Meat

Lean beef cuts and beef liver are excellent providers of vitamin B12.

Turkey and chicken, particularly the dark meat, are good sources of vitamin B12.

Ham and pork chops are also excellent providers of vitamin B12.

2. Fish and Seafood

Among seafood, wild-caught salmon is one of the best sources of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is present in good amounts in tuna, especially in albacore and yellowfin varieties.

Fish that are shellfish, like clams, mussels, oysters, and crab, are rich in vitamin B12.

3. Dairy Products

For lacto-vegetarians, cow's milk and dairy substitutes boosted with vitamin B12 are suitable options.

Vitamin B12 is present in cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss, and cheddar.

Both Greek and plain yogurt, especially when fortified, are high in vitamin B12.

4. Eggs

Egg yolks in particular are a great source of vitamin B12. Regular eating of eggs can help you meet your vitamin B12 requirements.

5. Fortified Foods

Vitamin B12 is added to many kinds of breakfast cereals, plant-based milk substitutes (like soy, almond, or oat milk), nutritional yeast, and some meat alternatives.

For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, fortified foods are especially important because vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products.

Final Note

Although vitamin B12 is essential for normal growth and health, its ability to increase height above genetic potential is unclear.

Genetics plays a major role in determining height growth, and healthy eating, especially enough vitamin B12, is necessary for normal growth and development.

While growth can be hampered by a vitamin B12 deficiency, increasing vitamin B12 intake alone is unlikely to outcome in further height growth.

To support general well-being, this is critical to concentrate on promoting a balanced diet, proper medical care, and healthy lifestyle practices.

Read: Why Do I Have Strong Nails but Weak Hair?