Are you feeling run down or tired all the time? Is your immune system struggling to fight off infection? Does your body ache? You may be deficient in Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in brain function and red blood cell production. Found naturally in meat, poultry, eggs and milk, Vitamin B12 is also a key component of many oral vitamin supplements, aimed at increasing energy levels. Because the vitamin is water-soluble it quickly leaves the body in our urine via our kidneys, meaning that we need regular amounts.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. Anaemia is the general term for having either fewer red blood cells than normal or having an abnormally low amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
Studies have shown a link between B12 deficiency and depression, reduced bone mass and poor eye health.
Who is at risk of B12 deficiency?
Those at greatest risk of vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans and vegetarians, who get little to no B12 from the diet. B12 deficiency is also more common in older people, affecting around 1 in 10 people above the age of 75. Deficiency can also be caused by poor absorption.
How do I know if I have B12 deficiency or Anaemia?⠀
Before receiving a Vitamin B12 injection your practitioner would conduct a blood test to confirm whether you are low in that particular vitamin (you can also ask your GP to do this test and bring your recent blood test results).
This is to ensure there is nothing else going on, as B12 deficiency can mimic other illnesses.
Why offer B12 Injections?
We want to ensure that those following a plant based diet aren’t missing out on vital Vitamin B12 that’s found in animal based foods. By providing people with a supplementary dose of B12 on a regular basis we can help to safeguard their long term health and promote wellness & vitality.
We believe the most effective way to deliver this supplementation is by an intramuscular injection, whereby a large amount of the vitamin is instantly ready for use by the body. A course of Vitamin B12 supplements is can also be taken until the deficiency is under control.
To book in or for more information on vitamin injections or blood tests, get in touch!
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