Deficiency of vitamin B12 is quite common in the USA. Results of ongoing Framingham Offspring Study of 3,000 men and women found that 39 percent of them had plasma B12 levels in the “low normal” range–below 258 picomoles per liter.
Though the level may be normal, it is not optimal for all the many functions vitamin B12 takes part in the body.
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It is predominantly found in eggs, milk, cheese, milk products, meat, fish, shellfish and poultry. Some soy and rice products can be fortified with vitamin B12. Vegetarian or vegan population can be potentially deficient in it.
Vitamin B12 is unique among other B vitamins due to how body processes it. Vitamin B12, coming from food sources, has an attached protein that should be removed by gastric acid and enzyme pepsin. Then it gets transported to the small intestine where intrinsic factor attached to B12 vitamin allows it to be absorbed into the blood. Thus, for optimal absorption of this vitamin, digestive system should be working well. It is natural that with age stomach acid level decreases, and, thus, can make aging population at risk for B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 takes part in many reactions in the body. Just to name a few:
- Keeps nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all cells
- Helps prevent megaloblastic anemia
- Assists with conversion of protein and fats
- Participates in many neurotransmitter functions
- Helps convert amino acids
- Produces coating of the nerves
- Is essential in fetal development during pregnancy
Symptoms of deficiency can including the following: muscle weakness, burning and tingling of the feet, lack of energy, difficulty walking and nausea.
B12 injections have benefits for the following conditions:
-heart disease
-neurocognitive disorders
– coordination problems
– fatigue
-peripheral neuropathy
-during and after stomach acid reducing medications
-after gastric bypass surgery
-for vision loss
And many others..
If you experience symptoms of B12 deficiency or feel that you have a lack of bio-available B12 in your diet, B12 supplementation and B12 muscular injections can help restore your levels.
This is something that I offer patients in my office – quick, easy, safe B12 injections.
If you are interested in receiving one, please call 714-924-5592 for a B12 injection appointment.
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