Your body thrives on a steady supply of vitamin B12, a water-soluble nutrient that plays an essential role in keeping you healthy and energized. Vitamin B12 is not something your body can produce on its own, so it must come from your diet or supplements.
The nutrient is incredibly important, but up to 15% of people are vitamin B12 deficient.
Certain people are more prone to this deficiency than others. Vegans and vegetarians, for instance, are at risk of deficiency because B12 is naturally found only in animal products. If you follow a plant-based diet and don’t supplement, you may be lacking this vital nutrient.
You need healthy stomach acid to absorb B12. As you age or when you suffer gastrointestinal issues, your gut may not be conducive to optimal B12 absorption. This leaves older adults and people with digestive conditions at a higher risk of deficiency.
Here at Skin Shop medSpa in Houston, Texas, we offer an effective solution to this nutrient deficiency: B12 injections.
Read on to understand more about vitamin B12 and to learn how to recognize the symptoms that your levels are less than optimal.
Vitamin B12 supports many bodily functions, including metabolism and nervous system health. The nutrient converts food into energy and helps you metabolize fats and carbs.
Furthermore, vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body.
It also plays a vital role in forming myelin, which protects your nerves and helps transmit signals effectively. Vitamin B12 helps keep your DNA intact, ensuring healthy cell division and growth.
B12 regulates homocysteine levels, an amino acid that, when elevated, increases your risk for heart disease. So, maintaining healthy B12 levels also supports your cardiovascular health.
It’s important to address a deficiency because if it goes untreated for too long, it can lead to serious health issues like anemia, nerve damage, or a higher risk of heart disease.
These are signs that you should check your B12 levels:
Are you feeling unusually tired, even after a good night’s sleep? If you're constantly low on energy, you might not be getting enough B12.Mood swings or depression
B12 is critical for neurotransmitter production and nerve health. A deficiency could show up as irritability, mood changes, or even depression.
Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or confusion can also indicate a B12 shortage. Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of this deficiency.
Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet could indicate nerve damage caused by low B12 levels.
Since your intestines absorb B12, issues like Crohn’s disease, IBS, or even age-related digestive changes can affect how much B12 your body can take in, leading to a deficiency over time.
If you’re noticing symptoms that suggest B12 deficiency, an intramuscular injection can help. Your body stores the vitamin B12 from injections in your liver, ensuring long-term benefits without the need to remember daily supplements.
Even better, injections bypass any digestive absorption issues, delivering the vitamin directly into your bloodstream. So, no matter what’s going on with your gut, our B12 injections ensure you’re covered. You’ll feel energized and empowered soon after your treatment.
Contact Skin Shop medSpa to learn more about vitamin B12 injections and how they can revitalize your life. Call or use the online tool to schedule your consultation.
