Vitamin B12 plays a major role in a number of the body’s essential functions, including DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells. It also helps the body convert fats and proteins into energy and aids in the breakdown of carbohydrates. B12 deficiency can lead to several ailments, most notably, a low red blood cell count. The most common symptom of megaloblastic anemia is fatigue. This form of anemia, as well as other health issues associated with B12 deficiency, can be easily treated with injections of the vitamin. This fatigue occurs because your body doesn’t have enough vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout your body. As a result, you are unable to efficiently transport oxygen to your body’s cells, making you feel tired and weak.
SUMMARY: When you are deficient in B12, your body isn’t able to produce enough red blood cells to effectively transport oxygen throughout your body. This can make you feel tired and weak. This is why Vitamin B12 shots at LKN Weight Loss & Wellness can be effective and helpful.
Most people get vitamin B12 through their food. The vitamin is naturally present in certain animal protein-based foods, such as:
Vegetarian sources of B12 include:
Since most B12 sources are derived from animal-based sources, deficiency is common among vegetarians and vegans. If you don’t eat meat, fish or eggs, eating fortified foods or taking a supplement may be recommended.
Other groups of people at risk for B12 deficiency include:
Celiac disease is the autoimmune disorder that causes gluten intolerance. Older adults — or those who have undergone stomach surgery — generally have lower levels of stomach acid. This can result in reduced B12 absorption from animal protein and fortified foods. For these people, B12 found in supplements might be a better option if available in a sublingual or injectable form. These forms do not require the same digestive action for B12 absorption as the form available in whole foods or fortified foods. Also, people who take the diabetes drug metformin are at higher risk for B12 deficiency.
There are many ways for people at risk for B12 deficiency to add more of the vitamin to their diet. Like just about any vitamin and mineral on the market, B12 supplements are available in pill form at supermarkets and pharmacies. B12 is also present in vitamin B-complex supplements, which combine all eight of the B vitamins into a single dose.
You can get larger doses of B12 through an injection, which is the way weight loss facilities often administer the supplement. This form does not depend on the digestive tract for absorption.
Doctors typically suggest injections of higher-than-average doses of B12 for people diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia and other health problems associated with a B12 deficiency. This type of injection often requires a doctor’s prescription.
Foods where B12 is not naturally present, such as breakfast cereals, can also be “fortified” with the vitamin. Fortified foods can be useful for people who are at risk for deficiency, such as vegans, due to low intake from their food supply.
Those with physiological changes — such as reduced stomach acid levels and/or abnormal digestive function — still may not be able to prevent a B12 deficiency by eating fortified foods. Check the nutritional information on food labels to see if it’s been fortified.
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