In response to the needs of our clients, we are now providing Vitamin B12 injections.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and can be administered as an intramuscular injectable medication called hydroxocobalamin.

What is Vitamin B12 and why does your body need it?

Vitamin B12 is good for reducing tiredness levels as it helps convert your body fats and carbohydrates into energy. It is classed as an essential vitamin and helps maintain your blood, nerve cells, and neurological functions. Vitamin B12 also helps to make protein and DNA.
You can find Vitamin B12 naturally in foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and yeast extract (such as marmite). You may come across other foods that have added B12.
Vitamin B12 can be taken in tablet form, however the World Health Organisation recommends the use of an injectable treatment because it stays in the body for longer. Studies have shown injected B12 starts to work straightaway, but it can take a few weeks for patients to feel the benefit.

Affects of Low-Level Vitamin B12

• Depression: Research suggests that low levels of Vitamin B12 can be linked with depression and long-term treatment with B12 may help reduce severity and frequency of bouts of depression.
• Brain Function: Recent studies suggest that low levels of Vitamin B12 can be linked to a decline in brain function which may then go on to develop into dementia.
• Osteoporosis : Low levels of B12 has been linked to a reduction in bone mass, increasing the chance of fractures and along with potential long-term health problems from degeneration of bones.

Causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Deficiency in Vitamin B12 is quite common, and the reasons can include:

• Pernicious anaemia which prevents the absorption of Vitamin B12
• A vegan or vegetarian diet
• Poor eating or repeated extreme dieting over a long period of time
• Taking certain medications, such as metformin, anti-convulsants, and antacids
• Previous bowel surgery or medical conditions affecting the bowel
• Getting older
• Smoking and alcohol excess

Do I need Vitamin B12 injections?

Symptoms and possible signs of Vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Extreme tiredness
• Lethargy
• Feeling faint
• Parasthesia (pins and needles)
• Sore tongue
• Mouth ulcers
• Muscle weakness
• Visual disturbances
• Mobility problems
• Confusion
• Poor memory
• Lack of judgement
• Depression