At Lazer Lounge, we offer injections for those who have a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Because this is one of our services, we often get asked what vitamin B12 does, and why we provide it.
First of all, Vitamin B12 is something that we all need, but our bodies don’t naturally produce it. You also can’t get it from plants or sunlight. It comes from certain foods, or via injections.
What Does Vitamin B12 Do?
This powerhouse of a vitamin does quite a lot for our bodies. It decreases stress levels, provides an energy boost, increases our metabolism, helps us digest our food, aids with DNA synthesis, assists with neurological function, improves memory, detoxifies our system, and promotes healthier nails, hair, and skin.
How Much Vitamin B12 Do We Need?
Women generally need about 2.4 micrograms of Vitamin B12 a day. If you’re pregnant, however, it’s recommended to go up to 2.6 micrograms a day, and 2.8 micrograms a day if you’re breastfeeding.
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, which means that it can be taken quite frequently. We recommend taking it once a week if necessary.
If left untreated, a severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in neurological and psychiatric problems. It can also interfere with nerve signaling and can result in muscle weakness.
Why Are Some People Vitamin B12 Deficient?
Vitamin B12 is a fairly common deficiency. In fact, B12 deficiency effects up to 15% of the general population. It’s especially prevalent in those who are vegan or vegetarian, as Vitamin B12 is found in foods that come from animals (red meat, eggs, poultry, fish, and dairy products).
However, Vitamin B12 deficiencies also occur in those who eat meat. Some people simply don’t absorb the vitamin properly because they don’t produce enough intrinsic factor (a protein of the stomach).
Others at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency include those who drink alcohol excessively or smoke; are elderly; have an endocrine-related autoimmune disorder (such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder); take certain prescription medications (including antacids and some type 2 diabetes drugs); are a vegetarian or vegan; have a gastrointestinal disorder (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s, or colitis), or have had intestinal surgery.
Am I Vitamin B12 Deficient?
So, are you thinking that you may be Vitamin B12 deficient? If so, here are the most common signs that you might be.
The most common signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Frequent headaches
- Changes in vision
- Problems with balance
- Anemia
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Decreased memory or comprehension
- Lethargy
- The absence of energy
- Constipation
- Confusion
- The feeling of tingling or “pins and needles” in the body
- Feeling faint or weak
- Irritability
- A sore, swollen, and/or discolored tongue
- Heart palpitations
- Mouth ulcers
If you think you may have a Vitamin B12 deficiency, we can help. We have an on-site doctor, and nurses who are authorized to administer Vitamin B12 to those who need it. We have been very pleased to see the improvement in our patients who take advantage of Vitamin B12 injections.
Contact us at Lazer Lounge for a free consultation, or for any more information.
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