• First of all, what is B12 and why do I need it?
Vitamin B12, also knows as Cobalamin, is a crucial water-soluble vitamin that the body needs to preserve healthy nerve cells, produce RNA, DNA and red blood cells and aid iron to function properly. It also assists in preventing cognitive decline, protect peripheral nervous system in diabetics. Vitamin B12 is considered to be a ‘pain killing’ vitamin, where it supports the cardiovascular system and with energy metabolism as well.
• Where can I find Vitamin B12 in food?
B12 is found in several food sources, mostly in animal based nutrition, where it is attached to the protein molecule in that food. B12 is pulled apart from the protein during digestion and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Adequate stomach acid is needed to allow the release the vitamin from the protein, alongside the intrinsic factor, a substance, to required to guarantee its absorption. High sources for B12 are found in, but not limited to; Clams, liver, trout, salmon, beef, milk, yoghurt, and eggs.
•What are the causes of B12 deficiency?
Certain medications: acid blockers and/or diabetes drugs.
Specific factors including: people with anemia, people with gastrointestinal issues, low stomach acid, vegetarian/vegan diet, older adults, alcohol consumption, etc.
-People with gastrointestinal issues: A gastrointestinal tract that does not function normally may inhibit vitamin B-12 release or absorption. For this reason, people with disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease may be at higher risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
- Older adults: vitamin B-12 deficiency affects a greater number of older adults than those under the age of 65. Older adults can be affected by conditions that are linked to a decrease in stomach acid production, including inflammation in the stomach.
- Vegetarians and vegans: vitamin B-12 is found mainly in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy, people who do not consume these foods are at risk of B-12 deficiency and may benefit from regular B-12 shots or other supplements.
•What are the benefits of Vitamin B12 Injections?
The most apparent benefit of receiving vitamin B-12 injection is treating a vitamin B-12 deficiency and avoiding its related symptoms. B-12 shots reduce the risk of some serious complications associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency including:
-coordination problems (ataxia)
~Improves sleeping pattern: Cobalamin treatment improves sleep-wake rhythm disorders in human subjects. It’s not normal to struggle falling asleep and wake up in the morning feeling more tired than when you went to bed. Biohacking Insomnia attacks sleep issues from every angle including limbic system repair, hormone levels, and circadian rhythm retraining.
~Reduces Depression: In a randomized trial performed on patients with depression and low normal cobalamin levels, cobalamin supplementation improved depressive symptoms.
~Anti-inflammatory: Methyl B12 suppresses cytokine production of T lymphocytes in cells and is speculated to do the same in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
~Vitamin B12 for the Skin: Topical cobalamin is a new therapeutic option in atopic dermatitis. It is well-tolerable and has low safety risks for both adults and children.
50% of adults are B12 deficient.
1. In 2 adults have dangerously low levels of B12 Symptoms often go undetected by doctors and are typically misdiagnosed.