Vitamins are essential nutrients that help boost your immune system. You can obtain sufficient vitamins in your body by eating a healthy diet. However, vegetarians may not get the nutrients they need with their preferred diet. Freya’s Lair Medical Spa has a solution with Albuquerque vitamin injections to prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin naturally consumed when eating meat or dairy products. Low levels of this type of vitamin may lead to anemia and neurological difficulties.
Why is vitamin B12 deficiency rampant?
Vitamin B12 can only be found in animal products such as poultry, beef, pork, and dairy products such as cheese and milk. A study shows that up to 90% of vegans or vegetarians may lack this type of vitamin.
Sometimes our body may fail to absorb vitamin B12 properly no matter what dietary restrictions we have. Intrinsic factor facilitates the absorption of vitamin B12. Insufficient production of intrinsic factors may cause deficiency.
Another reason why many people lack this type of vitamin is as you advance in age, your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases.
Diseases such as celiac and Crohn’s disease may also put you at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. You may also have fewer amounts of this vitamin if you have had intestinal surgery to facilitate weight loss.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Slightly lower-than-normal levels of vitamin B12 may cause confusion, depression, fatigue, and memory loss. You may experience other symptoms such as weight loss, constipation, and loss of appetite. When these symptoms worsen, you may have neurological problems such as tingling and numbness in your hands and feet.
Other times, you may develop anemia characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. If you have low hemoglobin levels, you may also experience diarrhea, menstrual problems, and pale skin.
Infants with vitamin B12 deficiency may have a slower growth rate and may show unusual movements such as face tremors. It might be challenging to breastfeed an infant with B12 deficiency because the baby will need to get the right nutrients for their brain to develop properly.
Health benefits of vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis. Low levels of vitamin B12 may increase your chances of reduced bone mass. Less bone density makes your bones weaker and puts you at risk of having fractures.
Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of red blood cells and is also involved in the creation and regulation of DNA. Low levels of this vitamin may hinder the multiplication of blood cells and result in anemia.
It is essential in the functioning of your brain. Low levels of vitamin B12 may result in the development of mental conditions such as dementia. However, this type of vitamin may not improve the normal functioning of your brain.
How can you supplement vitamin B12?
It is essential to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement. Your specialist may use an injection to administer vitamin B12 to your body. This is more effective than oral supplements and nasal sprays. Vitamin B12 injections are usually safe and cause no severe side effects. However, you may experience minimal side effects such as acne due to sensitivity or an allergic reaction.
If you are vegan or would like to learn more about vitamin B12, schedule a session with your specialist at Freya’s Lair Medical Spa for consultation.