The Impact of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The average person probably doesn’t give much thought to whether they are getting enough Vitamin B12. That’s because most people can acquire what they need through diet. However, if you are among the 40% of the U.S. population who is Vitamin B12 deficient, it can have a noticeable impact on your overall health. 

Why is Vitamin B12 important? 

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining the health of a body’s nerves and cells. It aids in the production of DNA. It also prevents anemia, which is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. 

Since our bodies don’t make Vitamin B12 on their own, we must acquire it from either diet or supplements. Foods such as fish, beef and dairy are all good sources of Vitamin B12. However, certain individuals may not be absorbing enough through diet alone, including: 

  • Older adults. 

  • Individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery. 

  • People who adhere to strict vegan or vegetarian diets. 

  • People with certain diseases such as anemia, lupus, Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. 

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency 

Since a lack of Vitamin B12 can cause anemia, you may feel tired or weak. Other symptoms include: 

  • Constipation 

  • Weight loss 

  • Tingling in the extremities 

  • Depression 

  • Memory loss  

It’s important to talk with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Over time, Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to more serious conditions such as dementia and heart disease. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine if your levels are low. 

How B12 infusions help 

Oral and injectable B12 supplements are available. However, these may not be the best option. If your body is already unable to absorb certain nutrients because of gastrointestinal complications, an oral supplement is not recommended. B12 injections enter directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the stomach completely. But, the effects of a B12 injection may not be felt until later, as the medication is released slowly over time. 

In some cases, a B12 infusion is the best course of action. When delivered intravenously, your body can absorb far more B12 than through an oral supplement. The effects are also immediate, which means you’ll start feeling better right away. 

Severe Vitamin B12 deficiency may require a doctor’s prescription. The nurses and staff at Health Care Medical Infusion Specialties will work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive the infusion best suited to your overall care. For minor or temporary B12 deficiency, we also offer a wide variety of HyVIta wellness infusion options. These treatments are available without a doctor’s prescription and in addition to Vitamin B12, include other  nutrients suited to fit your needs. 

Health Care Medical Infusion Specialties provides infusion services, durable medical equipment and HyVIta infusions to the entire state of Mississippi. 

 

Robyn Pollack