It is true to say that as a nation we are becoming more aware of the importance of trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle and to really start thinking about what we are eating, that includes eating more sustainably and making healthier choices to maintain a healthier body and mind and try and reduce the risk factors of developing certain conditions as we get older. In doing so there are endless supplements out there to take, many of them are questionable, knowing what to take and the right dose can be understandably a really hard task and of course do we really need them? Evidence does show that for most of us they are imperative.
Adding things to our diet has also become a trend such as kombucha, vinegars, ginger shots, turmeric…the list is long. We have such busy lives and sometimes trying to find the energy to get through the endless school runs, a busy shift at work, or just doing the normal tasks and chores required can seem like such hard work…
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Without enough red blood cells, your tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. Unlike some other B vitamins, B12 is not found in any plant food other than fortified cereals. It is, however, abundant in many types of meat and fish, and in smaller amounts in milk and eggs. This makes it difficult for people following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet to get the necessary amount of vitamin B12. What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?
- Anaemia, fatigue
- Poor memory, memory loss, confusion,, brain fog
- Shortness of Breath (also may indicate low iron)increased heart rate
- Feeling unstable, dizzy, or off-balance
- Swollen tongue, reduced taste buds
- Hyper-pigmentation of the skin, yellowing of the skin
- Neurological disorders (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, migraines, neuritis, sciatica, etc.)
- Mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression),trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia),weight loss
- Musculoskeletal (back pain, bursitis, muscle cramps, osteoporosis)
When it comes to managing our most common conditions and quickly improving a person’s overall sense of well-being few things compare to that of B vitamins, especially B12.
Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy cells, healthy brain function and a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 aids helps build red blood cells, helps iron function properly and helps convert food to energy by metabolising fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for energy production. Vitamin B12 also works with folate (vitamin B9) to produce one amino acid Methionine (a crucial building block of proteins necessary for a state of a healthy body).
It is naturally found in animal foods. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body can’t make on its own, so you need to get it from your diet or from supplements. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in meat, offal, milk, fish and eggs. The richest sources are liver, clams, kidneys and oysters. Other good food sources include most meats, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals.
For vegetarians and vegans, it is harder to obtain vitamin B12. It is found in some fermented foods, such as tempeh and more commonly in nori and nutritional yeast (or yeast extract like Marmite). Alternatively look out for vegan and vegetarian foods that are fortified with vitamin B12, such as some plant milk and breakfast cereals.
How common is it in the uk?
Most people can get enough vitamin B12 in foods they eat already, such as fish, meat poultry, eggs, dairy products, and foods that are fortified with B12 (like some breakfast cereals). In the UK the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is around 6% if not more in people aged below 60 years. For people over 60 years, this rises to around 20%. For people.
Individuals who are deficient in B12 and who are experiencing symptoms relating to low B12 benefit immensely from B12 injection shots. It is especially good for those with digestive or mal absorption conditions as it allows for 100% absorption directly into the tissues.
Many of my clients report improvements after the second injection, this can vary from each individual.
They report benefits such as
- Increased energy levels and combat fatigue
- Speed up metabolism
- Help improve sleep patterns
- Increase in concentration
- Improvement in mood
- Boost the immune system
- Help with weight loss
- Possibly help with hair growth or stop hair loss
Why have B12 injections?
The injection contains 400+ times more vitamin B12 than the recommended daily dosage.
When injected intramuscularly (in the posterior deltoid of the shoulder or in the gluteus of buttocks), vitamin B12 is easily and quickly absorbed by the body to be utilised in the formation of red blood cells, and maintenance of a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system.
The 3 major health benefits of vitamin B12 injections are an increase in energy, improved sleep patterns, and a feeling of alertness.
Deficiencies can cause mood swings, impaired brain function, tingling, and numbness. Anaemia can also result from a deficiency in vitamin B12.
Prevents irreversible neurological impairment – peripheral and central nervous system deterioration can occur due to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Its deficiency has been linked to demyelination of the nerves and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Getting enough Vitamin B12 in your diet is essential. If you struggle to obtain enough or have a condition that affects absorption and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, then contact us here for more information and to book a free consultation.