Vitamin B12, otherwise known as cobalamin, is a fundamental vitamin for the human body. This vitamin helps your body to make DNA, RNA, and red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. If you have low vitamin B12 levels, you will feel weak and tired, and you might experience other symptoms depending on how low your levels are. On the other hand, appropriate levels of vitamin B12 provides more energy, boosts your metabolism, and helps you lose weight.
The expert team at About Face Anti-Aging Institute in Central Texas can administer a B12 injection efficiently to improve your health.
WHAT IS VITAMIN B12 and WHAT DOES IT DO?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that keeps the body’s nerves and blood cells wholesome and is crucial to the creation of DNA, it also prevents a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia, so having a sufficient amount is important.
Two steps are needed for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food. The first one is the presence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which separates vitamin B12 from the protein present in food. Secondly, vitamin B12 merges with a protein produced in the stomach named intrinsic factor and is then absorbed by the body.
Unfortunately, some people have pernicious anemia, a condition in which they cannot make intrinsic factors. As a result, they face difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from all types of foods and dietary supplements.
BOTTOM LINE:
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in brain function and red blood cell production.
Can I Take A B12 Injection And Where Do I Get B12 Injections?
Yes! If you are having trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food, you can definitely take B12 Injections under your doctor’s supervision.
From where? Your body does not naturally make B12. You can receive most of the vitamins that your body needs easily by eating right, but vitamin B12 is different. It is only discovered in animal products like meat, eggs, dairy, or shellfish and it binds to the protein molecules.
During the digestion process, Vitamin B12 is separated from the protein and is absorbed into your bloodstream. To ensure adequate absorption, you must eat foods rich in vitamin B12. Your stomach must have sufficient acid and must possess the intrinsic factor required to utilize it. B12 deficiencies are pretty common; some surveys say that as many as 40% of America’s people are deficient.
For people who are deficient, the B12 injections can be administered by a licenced esthetician at a medspa or a doctor.
Will Vitamin B12 Injection Works Right Away?
B12 injections work quickly. They are one of the most effective ways for your body to assimilate vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hrs, your body will begin making new red blood cells. For deficiencies, you may require a number of injections over a few weeks to see peak impact.
B12 shots must be given by a licensed medical professional. Your medical team will evaluate your health and determine the ideal frequency for injections.
How To Tell If You Are B12 Deficient?
The traits of a vitamin B12 deficiency includes exhaustion and difficulty concentrating. Early signs are feeling worn out and weak. Because B12 is so essential for your metabolism, if you are having trouble losing weight, you may require more B12.
The symptoms of B12 deficiency are varied and may include:
- Numbness or tingling in your limbs
- Depression or paranoia
- Pale skin
- Mouth sores
- Abnormal reflexes
- A general feeling of weakness .
- Memory loss or confusion
Who Is At Risk For A B12 Deficiency?
People with digestive problems or celiac disease may not be able to adequately process and absorb vitamin B12. Vegetarians or vegans generally don’t get sufficient B12 in their diets. As you grow, you generate less stomach acid, which is a decisive factor for the absorption of B12. Therefore, adults over 50 years of age are at a higher risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Oral contraception that is high in estrogen puts ladies at risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency. vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, so people who drink frequently may be exhausting their B12 stores. Various kinds of medications can also put you at risk for a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with gastrointestinal conditions may also rhave difficulty absorbing B12.
What Is The Correct Dosage Of Vitamin B12?
According to the National Institute of Health, the recommended dietary amounts (RDAs) are as follows:
- 2.4 micrograms (mcg) every day for ages 14 yrs or older
- 2.6 mcg daily for pregnant women
- 2.8 mcg daily for breastfeeding women
If you are above the age of 50, you should strive to get the RDA by eating foods having B12 or taking a supplement having 25 to 100 mcg of B12.
Foods with vitamin B12 include:
- eggs
- cheese
- fish
- shellfish
- liver
- kidney
- red meat
What Foods Provide Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is discovered naturally in a broad assortment of animal foods and is affixed to some fortified foods. Plant diets have no vitamin B12 unless they are fortified. You can get prescribed amounts of vitamin B12 by consuming foods, including the following:
- Beef liver and clams, which are the best sources of vitamin B12.
- Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products.
- Some nutritional yeasts, breakfast cereals and other food products are enriched with vitamin B12.
What Are B12 Benefits?
#1 Energy
Energy comes from glucose and vitamin B12 turns the food you consume into glucose. Without sufficient glucose, you will feel lethargic. A feeling of weakness is often one of the very first signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
B12 is essential for your body to make the red blood cells that carry oxygen to your organs. Without sufficient oxygen supply in your cells, you’ll undoubtably feel exhausted.
#2 Weight Loss and Metabolism
Vitamins are an important part of maintaining your weight because they are crucial to your metabolism. B12 aids in both protein and fat metabolism. Without enough B12, your body can’t metabolize fats or carbohydrates accurately. When your body’s metabolism is working efficiently, your body will burn fat for fuel, supporting you to lose weight.
B12 deficiency can cause lethargy, poor sleep, and exhaustion, all of which can affect your weight management. Weight loss is both psychological and physiological; sufficient B12 can benefit both.
#3 Mental Health
B12 is involved in the synthesis of brain chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine, both of which play a significant role in regulating your mood. As a result, B12 can reduce anxiety and stress by regulating the proper function of your nervous system. vitamin B12 also helps improve your ability to focus.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is associated with a significantly increased risk of depression. However, it can also increase the effectiveness of antidepressants and high levels of B12 in the blood are linked to better treatment outcomes with depression.
#4 Memory and Dementia
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 has been associated with memory loss. Some studies have shown that even a mild B12 deficiency can result in poor memory performance.
Supplementing with B12 may reduce brain atrophy and the loss of neurons in the brain. Brain atrophy can begin in diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
#5 Strength
B12 powers oxygen delivery. Without enough oxygen being produced from RBCs, your muscle tissues will feel weak. This vitamin is also critical in communication between the brain and muscles, impacting muscle growth and overall coordination.
#6 Immune Health
Vitamin B12 is essential to a healthy immune system. Conversely, a deficiency of B12 can leave you with a compromised immune system and leave you more susceptible to germs and viruses.
#7 Skeletal Health
Ensuring your body has sufficient levels of vitamin B12 may promote your skeletal health. Unfortunately, many people with a B12 deficiency also have a lower than normal bone density. Your chance of osteoporosis is enhanced when you have a diminished bone mineral density.
#8 Ocular Health
Having adequate levels of B12 could assist in decreasing the risk of age-related eyesight problems. Supplementing B12 can lower homocysteine, an amino acid in your bloodstream. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk for age-related macular degeneration. This eye disease primarily impacts your central vision.
#9 Cardiac Health
High levels of homocysteine have also been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Supplemental B12 can lower homocysteine, lowering your risk of developing a cardiac disease.
#10 Healthy Nervous System
When you’re deficient in B12, your nerve cells are unable to function properly. Higher vitamin B12 levels are linked to a better-performing the nervous system.
#11 Balance
The early signs of nerve damage as a result of a B12 deficiency are tingling and numbness. Left unaddressed, this can grow to balance difficulties, making it more likely that you will fall.
#12 Sleep Patterns
Low levels of B12 can interrupt your sleep patterns, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, vitamin B12 has been demonstrated to positively affect patients with sleep disorders and those who have difficulty getting to sleep.
B12 is required in melatonin production, the hormone accountable for improving your body’s circadian rhythm. In numerous studies, melatonin has been shown to induce a feeling of sleepiness, help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and improve the quality of your sleep. Vitamin B12 increases melatonin production and encourages your body to release it earlier, helping you fall asleep.
#13 Promoting Healthy Skin
B12 is critical in cell production. Therefore, adequate B12 is vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Conversely, a deficiency of B12 can cause various dermatologic issues, including hyperpigmentation and nail discoloration.
#14 Pregnancy Health
B12 deficiencies in the early stages of pregnancy increase the risk of neural tube birth defects and low birth weights. Low B12 levels are linked to miscarriages and premature birth.
#15 Reduces Your Use Of Stimulants
Vitamin B12 injection gives your body a natural and lasting energy boost. When you are no longer feeling weak, you will be less likely to approach another coffee cup to get you through your day.
Is There A Risk Of Too Much B12?
There are no reported risks with taking large doses of Vitamin B12. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike some fat-soluble vitamins that grow in your body, excess water-soluble vitamins are discharged through your urine.
B12 Injections Can Improve Your Overall Health
B12 is essential for several aspects of your well-being, from your head to your toes. For example, B12 is essential for building DNA and blood cells, developing healthy skin, and reducing your heart disease and vision loss risk.
Come and speak to the professional team at About Face Anti-Aging Institute, to learn how injections of B12 can boost your energy, kickstart your metabolism and help you lose weight, and improve your overall health.
B12 Injections/shots in Harker Heights and Central Texas
About Face Anti-Aging Institute, led by Mr. Jeff Garberich, PA-C, is located in Harker Heights, TX, making it a convenient location for anyone looking for B12 Injections near Waco, Temple, Killeen, Fort Hood, Belton, and Central Texas.