June 23, 2022
Benefits of B12 & Signs of Deficiency
A healthy, well-rounded diet filled with important nutrients and vitamins, as well as an active lifestyle, are the keys to living a longer, more healthy and enjoyable life. But, even the most dedicated health enthusiast will tell you that it can be challenging to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from diet alone. Even with a very healthy diet, you still may not be able to consume enough of certain vitamins that will be properly absorbed to reap their benefits. One such vitamin is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in foods such as shellfish, beef liver, fish, crustaceans, silken tofu, bran cereal, red meat, milk, cheese, eggs, and yogurt.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, the formation of healthy red blood cells, and the ability to metabolize food for energy. But, while it may seem simple to eat enough B12-rich foods since they are so common, the United States Department of Agriculture reports that studies show many Americans may actually be deficient, “Nearly two-fifths of the U.S. population may be flirting with marginal vitamin B12 status if the population of Framingham, Mass., is any indication. A careful look at 3,000 men and women in the ongoing Framingham Offspring Study found 39 percent with plasma B12 levels in the “low normal” range–below 258 picomoles per liter. While this is well above the currently accepted deficiency level of 148 pmol/L, some people exhibit neurological symptoms in the higher range, said study leader Katherine Tucker…Nearly 9 percent of the study population fell below the current deficiency level. And more than 16 percent fell below 185 pmol/L. “Many people may be deficient at this level,” said Tucker. “There is a question as to what the clinical cutoff for deficiency should be. “I think there is a lot of undetected vitamin B12 deficiency out there,” she said, noting that the study covered people from 26 to 83 years old.”
Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common than many realize and may be of particular concern for vegetarians and vegans because B12 is only naturally found in animal products. B12 deficiency symptoms include lack of energy/fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale/yellow skin, irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, weight loss, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, changes in personality, confusion or forgetfulness, unsteady movement, and irritability or depression. Methylcobalamin is a natural and active form of B12 and is often believed to be a superior supplement because it is more easily and effectively absorbed by the body. If you opt to take B12 vitamins, you will have to take at least one per day. If you get a B12 injection many of the injections available only last a few days, leaving you in need of another injection sooner rather than later. Our B12 injection is far superior because it lasts two weeks – far longer than other B12 injection, and even has fat burning properties added to the injection for additional benefits. Our B12 injection stays effective longer and burns fat, providing you with as many benefits as possible in one easy injection! If you are concerned that you may have a B12 deficiency or just need more B12 in your diet, it is important to speak to your physician to determine what is best for your health. Your physician can assist you in determining how much additional B12 you may need and what supplements or injections are right for you.
