In our practice, we are seeing a lot of low and suboptimal Vitamin B12 levels. Human body cannot make Vitamin B12 on its own; it is obtained through food and supplements. Majority of Vitamin B12 deficient people are eating lots of Vitamin B12-rich foods but they are not absorbing it mostly because of common digestive issues. A simple blood test can help identify deficiency. While sublingual or oral supplementation are possible, intramuscular therapy offers fast, easy and superior results.
Why do we need optimal levels of Vitamin B12?
It is essential to make red blood cells, nerves and DNA. It helps to carry out many essential functions. It is important for energy, mood and memory.
What kind of foods are rich in Vitamin B12?
Meat (beef, liver, chicken), fish (salmon, tuna), clams, crab, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fortified soy milk, fortified tofu and fortified breakfast cereals.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency?
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Mood changes
- Changes to balance, mobility and coordination
- Mental fogginess or memory loss
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Disturbed vision
- Swollen or inflamed tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Sensations of pins and needles
- Numbness and tingling in the hands, legs or feet
Who is more likely to develop low Vitamin B12 levels?
Deficiency is more likely to occur in people with these risk factors:
Vegetarians and vegans
Age > 50
Alcohol consumption
Surgical removal of part of stomach or small intestine
Pernicious anemia
Atrophic gastritis
Crohn’s disease, SIBO, parasite
Autoimmune conditions like Grave’s, lupus, type 1 diabetes, etc.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix
H2 blockers: Tagamet, Pepcid AC
Diabetes medication: Metformin
What is the normal range for Vitamin B12 and what is considered optimal level?
Exact normal range can vary from lab to lab. Generally, normal range for adult is 200 – 1100 pg/mL. Optimal level is around 1000 pg/mL.
What is the best and fastest way to fix deficiency?
Intramuscular Vitamin B12 injection is the best way to replenish the levels especially since many factors can affect the absorption through the oral route. There are two types of Vitamin B12 available: Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin. While Cyanocobalamin is the one that is more commonly seen in over-the-counter Vitamin B12 supplements, the better form is Methylcobalamin.
Where can I get Vitamin B12 injection?
Ask our office about Vitamin B12 injection. We have Methylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin + MIC shots available to be given to patients during the visit. MIC stands for Methionine, Inositol and Choline. These additions can help reduce stored fat, improve mood and mental clarity, improve liver detoxification, enhance metabolism by improving fat burning, provide better absorption of essential nutrients, preserve muscle, improve liver and gallbladder function and increase energy levels.
