Vitamin B12: What You Need to Know

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient thus it is critical that we get enough of this vitamin either in our diet or through supplementation. Unfortunately, there are occasions when we may be B12 deficient and need to look at ways of supplementing. Vitamin B12 Injections are just one way in which you can ensure that you are getting enough.

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many important bodily functions, including:

• Red blood cell production
• Nerve function
• DNA synthesis
• Metabolism

What contains Vitamin B12? 

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It is not found in plant-based foods.

Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. However, some people are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, including:

• Vegetarians and vegans – vitamin B12 is not found in plant-based foods.
• Older adults
• People with certain digestive disorders
• People who take certain medications

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Anaemia
• Numbness and tingling
• Memory problems
• Depression

If you think you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can order a blood test to check your levels.

If you are diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin B12 supplement or receiving injections.

How to Get Enough Vitamin B12

The best way to get enough vitamin B12 is to eat a balanced diet that includes animal products. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can get vitamin B12 from fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast. You can also get vitamin B12 from supplements.

Here are some tips for getting enough vitamin B12:

• Eat a variety of animal products. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are all good sources of vitamin B12.
• Choose fortified foods. Some breakfast cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast are fortified with vitamin B12.
• Take a supplement. If you are unable to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet, you may need to take a supplement or consider B12 injections.

Vitamin B12 Injections 

If you aren’t getting enough through your diet, injections are an alternative. Vitamin B12 injections are administered in a measured dose to give you the boost you need to supplement your diet and offer the health benefits provided. If you would like to discuss this treatment, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Simply get in touch to talk to Nicky.