B12 INJECTIONS

VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS

If you are feeling tired and run down all the time, suffering from unexplained aches and pains and continually falling victim to colds and other infections, then you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

B12 is an essential vitamin that you can become deficient in, particularly if you follow a restricted or special diet, if you suffer from certain health conditions or if you are over a certain age. Heavy smokers and drinkers can also have low levels of B12.

If you’re in need of an B12 vitamin shot, book a consultation today to discuss.

WHAT IS VITAMIN B12?

Vitamin B12, is an essential vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce. It’s found naturally in animal products, but also added to certain foods and is available as an oral supplement or injection.  So if your a Vegetarian or Vegan your not going to be eating meat or dairy which contains the essential B12 vitamin.

Vitamin B12 has many roles in the body. B12 is particularly important for cell growth in the central nervous system (CNS) and is therefore essential for the normal function of your nerve cells. Vitamin B12 is also needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.

Vitamin B12 supplementation can also enhance wellbeing and physical health. As B12 plays an essential role in enhancing the metabolic function of the cells, this nutrient can boost energy release, improve memory and help prevent heart disease.

Why are vitamin B12 injections so important today?

The majority of B12 deficient people EAT plentiful amounts of food containing B12, but their bodies can’t absorb or use it. Given the enormous increase of digestive issues and daily stressors (alcohol, environmental pollutants, aging) it’s no wonder so many of us are low on this beneficial vitamin. Other than from our diet, B12 can be obtained through B12 injections.

VITAMIN B12 PRICES

1ml Shot £25

WHAT FOODS ARE B12 FOUND IN?

High amounts are found in liver, beef, salmon, trout, tuna, and clams. Lower amounts are available in eggs, yogurt, cheese, and cereal products fortified with B12.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN B12?

Vitamin B12 enhances the metabolic function of the cells helping to boost energy release and support overall wellbeing.

There are multiple benefits of B12 on physical & mental health as well as emotional wellbeing:

BOOSTS ENERGY – reducing tiredness & fatigue

BOOSTS IMMUNITY – to support optimum physical health

BOOSTS METABOLISM – helping to support fat burning & weight loss

BOOSTS MENTAL WELLBEING – reducing stress & emotional instability

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS & CAUSES OF B12 DEFICIENCY?

The following symptoms may be experienced if you are anaemic, and they are due to the reduced oxygen levels in your body:

• Lethargy
• Feeling faint
• Tiredness
• Breathlessness

There are some less common symptoms, including:

• Loss of appetite
• Altered taste
• Palpitations
• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Pale skin

One of the main causes is the autoimmune condition pernicious anaemia. Other causes are conditions affecting the stomach or small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, operations such as gastrostomies (which involve removal of part of the stomach), and certain medications. Researchers have also identified a gene variation linked to B12 deficiency. Long-term deficiency can lead to serious heart and neurological problems.

WHY DO I NEED VITAMIN B12?

B12 is involved in producing red blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and converting food to energy. It also helps to regulate the immune system and mood, and control levels of the amino acid homocysteine, elevated levels of which are associated with heart disease. Most people who eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products get enough B12. Vegans are advised to eat fortified food and take supplements.

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE LOW B12?

Vegetarians, vegans, elders, people who drink alcohol, people who have digestive issues and who are taking certain medications.

If you take daily B12 supplements are B12 injections still beneficial?

Injections bypass the digestive tract and, as a result, the vitamin B12 has a more direct route to the cells and can be more readily metabolised. You will feel the benefit more quickly.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS FROM VITAMIN B12 INJECTIONS?

Slight bruising and or soreness at the injection site can occur. There are no known toxic effects when administered at appropriate levels. Allergic reactions can occur with any intramuscular injections.

DOES THE INJECTION HURT?

Not really it’s a small diabetic needle.  There may be a slight sting as the vitamin is injected in.   If you keep your arm relaxed, dangling on the outside of your hip, this will make it far less likely to hurt. Relaxing your arm helps because the muscle fibres will also be relaxed and this makes it a much easier and comfortable injection.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE HAVING THE INJECTION?

Noting in particular.  Just make sure you have breakfast so your not coming on an empty stomach.  And always stay hydrated.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

You will need to fill out an online form and then the injection itself takes seconds.  You can wait in the clinic for ten minutes after to have a drink.

HOW OFTEN CAN I GET THE INJECTION?

We do limit the rate at which you can have a B12 injection and everyone is different.  You can start on the first day then 2 weeks later come for your second one then every 28 days.  If you feel like you need the shot more then you can discuss this with your practitioner.  You may not even need it every 28 days.

HOW LONG BEFORE I FEEL THE BENEFITS?

This will vary amongst people of different ages and circumstances. It may be a couple of days before you notice, or it could be sooner. Sometimes people don’t notice an immediate benefit, but rather realise a few weeks later that they are starting to feel as they were before the injection.

HOW LONG WILL THE BENEFITS LAST?

This will vary amongst people of different ages and circumstances. Ultimately the amount of benefit you experience and how long this last will determine how often you feel inclined to have a B12 injection.