Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for optimal function. You cannot generate it yourself, so it must be in your diet or otherwise supplemented. Unfortunately, B-12 deficiency is one of the more common vitamin deficiencies worldwide.
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience B-12 deficiency than others. For example, vegans and vegetarians who don’t supplement B-12 are usually deficient, as B-12 occurs naturally only in animal-based foods.
B-12 absorption is dependent upon healthy stomach acid production, which is affected both by age and gastrointestinal conditions, leaving older patients and those with gut issues susceptible. However, there’s a solution for these vulnerable groups: B-12 injections.
At Dutch Hollow Medical Day Spa in Godfrey, Illinois, we believe it’s important that our patients generally comprehend not only what treatments would be best for them, but why. Before we dive into what symptoms may be signaling that you’re lacking B-12, let's discuss why this vitamin is so vital.
Vitamin B-12 is essential to proper function of many different systems in your body, including its most basic metabolic and nervous system processes. Here are some examples:
Along with other B vitamins, B-12 also helps regulate levels of homocysteine, an amino acid. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making B-12 important for heart health.
Prolonged B-12 deficiency can lead to complications such as anemia, neurological disorders, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, our B-12 injection may be the next best step in your health journey.
Feeling more tired than usual, even after a full night's sleep, could be a sign of a B-12 deficiency. If you find yourself struggling to get through the day despite ample rest, consider whether you're getting enough B-12.
Vitamin B-12 is key in the health of your nerve development and neurotransmitter production. A deficiency in B-12 can manifest as mood swings, irritability, or even depression.
Another sign of this vitamin deficiency is cognitive impairment. This can include difficulty concentrating and recalling information, memory problems, or even confusion.
Numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in your hands and feet, can be indicative of a B-12 deficiency. As B-12 is involved in the maintenance of healthy nerve cells, low levels can lead to nerve damage.
Your intestines absorb vitamin B-12, so digestive problems often cause interference. Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, IBS, or even just age-related changes in stomach acid production can impair B-12 absorption, leading to deficiency over time.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms despite proper diet and supplementation, consider a B-12 injection. B-12 is stored in the liver, so an infusion can help you fight off your deficiency for a long time, without the need to remember to supplement.
Additionally, our B-12 injection allows us to bypass the digestive system and infuse the vitamin directly into your bloodstream. No matter what intestinal absorption issues you may be experiencing, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re wondering if a lack of vitamin B-12 could be at the root of your troubling symptoms, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation to chat with our professionals about treatment options so you can start feeling better sooner.
