Give your body a boost with B12!
Do you regularly feel tired for what seems like no particular reason? If you’re suffering from fatigue and a lack of energy, you might benefit from a Vitamin B12 treatment with us.
Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in your body and can improve your energy levels and decrease fatigue. It is also the essential vitamin which is needed for the production of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. So, having the right balance can improve your mood, sleep, emotions and even help prevent depression.
1. What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble based vitamin that is stored in the liver. A member of a larger group of B vitamins, it is the only vitamin that contains a metallic element called cobalt and for this reason, it is sometimes referred to as Cobalamin. As with the other B Vitamins, it acts within the body as a coenzyme.
2. Am I suitable for Vitamin B12 treatment?
If you have a B12 deficiency and are experiencing persistent symptoms like low energy and fatigue, then you may benefit from vitamin B12 treatment with us.
Some weight loss surgery patients are at risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies after their operations, supplementation is recommended by our weight loss experts for overall health and wellbeing. Getting vitamin B12 through your diet remains crucial, however, you can boost your intake with a treatment plan.
3. How do we usually consume Vitamin B12?
B12 is usually obtained through nutrition. The highest concentrations are found in animal sources, such as meat, dairy, fish and eggs. Vitamin B12 can also be supplemented with pills and sprays, as an alternative to injections.
4. Who is most likely to suffer from a B12 deficiency?
Vegans or strict vegetarian diets can be at particular risk of developing a deficiency as non-animal sources of food usually contain no or very low doses of B12. Other people may become B12 deficient if they lack certain gut enzymes that allow the body to ‘extract’ B12 for animal sources.
Weight loss surgery patients, in particular, are at increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency because their digestive tracts have been altered in such a way as to interfere with the natural absorption of this vitamin. In patients who have had gastric bypass surgery, most of the stomach is bypassed, limiting the breakdown of vitamin B12 and its absorption.
5. What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?
Severe B12 deficiency can result in cognitive impairment, low energy and a range of other symptoms that can be mild to severe. Examples fatigue, mouth ulcers, mood swings and vision loss.
In some cases, a doctor may need to be consulted to rule out other medical reasons for your symptoms, blood tests maybe required to establish to the cause of any symptoms and to confirm a vitamin B12 deficiency.
6. What are the benefits of Vitamin B12 treatment?
At The Hospital Group we specialise in surgical and non-surgical health and wellbeing services and provide a multi-faceted approach to individual patient requirements with:
- Free medical consultation to assess suitability
- Treatment in CQC-regulated clinical setting
- Administered by a qualified nurse registered with the NMC or a GMC registered practitioner
- Available at select purpose-built clinics
The benefits of Vitamin B12 treatment may include:
- Managing the symptoms associated with B12 deficiency
- Decreasing fatigue and increasing energy levels
- Feeling refreshed and motivated
- Prevent low mood and symptoms of depression
- Healthy hair, nails and skin
- Other health benefits may include, bone health and heart benefits
7. How can I start my Vitamin B12 treatment?
A course of vitamin B12 treatment involves regular vitamin B12 injections given over a period of 3–6 months. The Vitamin B12 injection is administered into the muscle or under the skin. Your clinician at The Hospital Group will carry out a full medical consultation and talk through your medical history. Where necessary, the clinician may request blood tests to determine your initial vitamin B12 levels. The results will assist your clinician to provide you with the most effective treatment plan.
Your clinician will recommend a treatment planned tailored to meet your individual requirements, that will be administered over a period of weeks to build up your vitamin B12 stores slowly. Once the stores have been built up, they can last for several months, your clinician may recommend that you have an injection every three months as a booster to replenish your vitamin B12 levels.