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VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS

 

Vitamin B12 is important in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells in the body. It is also needed in the neurological system, as it helps to form the myelin sheath which is responsible for protecting nerves and increasing conduction along the nerve; basically allowing the nerve function as it is supposed to. As such, it is a vital nutrient for the body, and deficiency or low levels of this vitamin can be devastating to health. Recent research is beginning to suggest that B12 deficiency is much more common than initially suspected. It is becoming evident that the values for Vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood are much too low, and research is establishing the fact that patients will often feel symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency at levels much higher than the accepted minimum value. There are numerous symptoms of B12 deficiency, with varying degrees of severity.

It is becoming evident that the values for Vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood are much too low, and research is establishing the fact that patients will often feel symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency at levels much higher than the accepted minimum value.

 

 

SOME GROUPS WHO ARE PRONE TO DEFICIENCY:

VEGANS & VEGETARIAN

B12 is only available in food from animal proteins and meat

 

Patients with “POOR DIGESTIVE STATUS”

including patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, low stomach acid, celiac disease, or Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) – when gut health is impaired, the ability to absorb nutrients becomes impacted. B12 absorption is a complicated process, more so than with other vitamins and nutrients, and therefore patients with poor digestion are more susceptible to B12 deficiency

 

Patients on PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPI)

such as Nexium or H2 Blockers such as Zantac, or any other acid-suppressing medications – when patients are on acid-suppressing medications, their ability to absorb nutrients is greatly diminished

 

MEDICATIONS THAT DEPLETE VITAMIN B12

there are numerous medications such as Metformin for diabetes, or Oral Contraceptive Pills that decrease Vitamin B12

 

ELDERLY PATIENTS

as we age, our ability to absorb nutrients in general decreases as digestive function declines

 

WOMEN with a history of INFERTILITY or MISCARRIAGE

B12 deficiency is implicated in decreased ovulation, impairments in clotting which can interfere with implantation, and possibly defective follicular development

COMMON B12 DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

  • Pernicious anemia – final and severe stage of Vitamin B12 deficiency

  • Fatigue and lethargy

  • Weakness and lightheadedness

  • Memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia

  • Neurological changes i.e. numbness and tingling

  • Poor mood and mental illness

  • Decreased metabolism

  • Cardiovascular disease through increased homocysteine, a marker found in early heart diseaseImmune dysregulation

  • Learning disorders and Infertility

  • Easy bruising and bleeding

  • Stomach upset

 

 

There are numerous ways to increase Vitamin B12 levels, including through diet, and/or supplementation. However, for some increasing meat isn’t possible or advisable, and oral/sublingual supplementation can take a long time to see positive changes, as well as it means taking one more pill.

 

Dr. Cristina will often use B12 injections to help bring the levels of B12 up quickly in the blood, and therefore to help eliminate symptoms patients are experiencing quickly as well. Dr. Cristina uses the methylcobalamin form of B12 with her patients, as it is more effective for any of the neurological symptoms associated with B12 deficiency, and is better absorbed by the body. It is also attached to a methyl group, which is beneficial in a number of healthy processes in the body, including lowering homocysteine levels.

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